The suspect reportedly later fled to Mexico and was apprehended by the FBI in July.
A fugitive on the run for months is now back in Pierce County to face charges for a teen's murder. Brandon Torres-Meza is accused of killing Washington High School student Braylon Diaz in a robbery over a $10 necklace in May.
The suspect reportedly later fled to Mexico and was apprehended by the FBI in July.
"He was a good boy, and he deserves to be living a rich life, and it was taken from him," said Johnathan Grimmett, the victim's uncle.
Diaz was killed during a robbery while walking his girlfriend home in Parkland. Authorities say Torres-Meza shot the teen even after he complied and willingly handed over his necklace.
After months on the run, Torres-Meza had to be extracted by armed Blackhawk helicopters, according to prosecutors. He's now back in Pierce County to face multiple charges related to Diaz's death.
"The court is going to set bail in the amount of $10 million," a judge said during Monday's hearing.
Family members cheered as bail was set at $10 million, though they believe Torres-Meza should be held without bail.
"[Torres-Meza] ran to a different country, and they brought him back just to give him more stipulations and allow him to have bail again," Grimmett said. "This is a failed justice system."
In court, prosecutors said Torres-Meza was already facing charges in three other pending cases in Pierce County when he allegedly killed Diaz, including unlawful possession of a firearm and assault. Prosecutors say he skipped a court hearing on those cases while he was on the run in Mexico. Bail was initially set in those cases at $10,000 and now has been increased to $50,000. Those cases remain ongoing.
"Knowing he's a danger to the community with all these gun charges he has, and he's still being allowed to be released onto the streets. This is why my nephew is no longer here," Grimmett said.
According to court documents, surveillance video, cell phone records and witness statements place Torres-Meza at the murder scene and identify him as the gunman. Aggravated murder has been added to the list of charges he already faced in Pierce County.
Authorities also arrested Alyssa Vaught-Barr in connection with the murder. She remains in custody and is believed to have been the getaway driver involved.
