Mom, police ask for help finding killer of man ‘executed’ in his Tri-Cities driveway
A 36-year-old father of two lived a quiet life on a Kennewick street before police say someone gunned him down in his driveway as he was unloading groceries.
Juan D. Belloso was a mechanic and wasn’t involved with drugs or gangs, say police and his family.
“It was a hit. ... The evidence was consistent with someone having him executed,” Detective Kirk Nebeker told the Tri-City Herald.
After more than a year of little progress in the case, police and family members posted on Facebook a plea for anyone who may have information about what happened to come forward.
Police believe several people know what happened and are hoping someone will provide more information, Nebeker said.
The shooting was on Dec. 21, 2023, outside Belloso’s home on South Vancouver Street. Neighbors heard shots about 8:35 p.m. and called 911.
Belloso had been unloading groceries and was found lying in his driveway with several gunshot wounds. He later died at Kadlec Regional Medical Center.
No one else was at the house, and several neighbors who heard the shots didn’t see what happened, said police.
Investigators believe the shooter parked nearby, walked up to Belloso and fired several times. Police say they’re not able to release too many details on the continuing investigation.
“There are some people who have additional information about it and we want them to come forward so justice can be served,” Nebeker said.
Belloso’s death has left his family struggling with wondering why anyone would kill him, his mother Maria Palomares told the Tri-City Herald.
He was involved with his family, including a 16-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter with special needs who died a few months before he did, his mother said.
The mystery around his death has left Palomares and her family wondering why someone would kill him.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Nebeker at 509-582-1342. Anonymous tip can be submitted at www.kpdtips.com.
This story was originally published January 18, 2025 at 1:31 PM.