Teen charged in Pasco murder admits to being getaway driver for accused killer
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Teen admitted aiding the killer's escape; denied firing the fatal shot.
- Prosecutors moved Magana's case to juvenile court and will drop adult counts.
- Co-defendant, 15 at the time, remains charged with second-degree murder.
One of the teens charged in the murder of a Pasco student has admitted to helping the suspected killer escape after trying to steal a necklace.
Edwin J. Magana, 17, was initially charged as an adult in Franklin County Superior Court with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and drive-by shooting.
He was charged under a state law that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to be automatically transferred to adult court for certain serious crimes.
Paul Jacobo, 18, of Pasco, was killed on July 6, 2025, in the driveway of a Sixth Avenue home.
Magana allegedly pointed a gun at Jacobo while trying to rob him, but Magana dropped the gun that had no magazine and Jacobo picked it up and ran. That’s when prosecutors say he was fatally shot with a second gun.
Initially, investigators thought Magana fired the deadly shot, but new evidence allegedly shows Moises Palomino Rodriguez, 16, shot Jacobo.
Palomino Rodriguez is charged with second-degree murder in Benton-Franklin Juvenile Court. His case could not be automatically moved to adult court because he was 15 at the time.
But Prosecutor Shawn Sant told the Tri-City Herald they still plan to ask a judge to have Palomino Rodriguez tried as an adult.
Magana pleaded guilty to first-degree rendering criminal assistance and illegal gun possession is expected to be sentenced on July 16. Prosecutors and defense attorneys have agreed to a 30-day term and a year of supervision.
A witness told investigators that he was with Jacobo when they met with Magana and Palomino Rodriguez. As they were talking, the witness said Magana pulled out a gun and tried to rip a neckless off Jacobo’s neck.
Magana allegedly dropped the gun that had no magazine in it. Jacobo picked it up and ran, but it’s believed Palomino Rodriguez fired at the teen as he ran.
New Horizons student
Jacobo was remembered as the type of person who brought people together, according to his obituary.
“Always dancing, rapping, joking around or simply being his wonderfully goofy self, he made it his mission to keep everyone smiling,” the obituary said. “His infectious energy and bright spirit turned ordinary days into treasured memories.”
Jacobo, a New Horizons High School student, planned to return to class in the next school year.
His teachers also said that he brought people together in class, according to comments left on his obituary at Einan’s at Hillcrest.