TACOMA, Wash. — Two suspects arrested in connection with the robbery and deadly shooting of 17-year-old Braylon Diaz made their first court appearances Tuesday afternoon in Pierce County Superior Court.
The accused shooter has not been arrested, but the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has identified him as 21-year-old Brandon Torres-Messa.
Court records filed Tuesday allege Alyssa Marie Vaught-Barr, 26, was the getaway driver in the May 24 robbery and fatal shooting of Diaz in Parkland. Vaught-Barr was arrested Sunday night near Tulalip and booked into the Pierce County Jail.
Vaught-Barr’s boyfriend, Alejandro Lorenzo Diaz, 25, was also arrested Sunday. Court documents state that Lorenzo Diaz is a fugitive wanted in Oregon on charges of criminal mischief, aggravated theft, and burglary.
Lorenzo Diaz is not related to the victim and has not been formally charged with the homicide. Prosecutors said the case against him remains under investigation as they await additional evidence.
A photo of Alejandro Lorenzo Diaz, 25, in Pierce County court on June 2, 2026. Diaz an apparent fugitive from justice based on an Oregon arrest warrant. Oregon authorities are seeking him on allegations of first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree burglary, and first-degree aggravated theft, according to court records.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 2 people arrested in connection to killing of Parkland teen who was shot during robbery
The killing sparked an outpouring of grief throughout the community. Friends, family members, and classmates gathered days later at a vigil to remember Diaz, a Washington High School junior who played football and soccer and was described by loved ones as kind, respectful, and well-liked.
A photo of Braylon Diaz and his family. Two suspects arrested in connection with the robbery and deadly shooting of 17-year-old Braylon Diaz are expected to make their first court appearances Tuesday afternoon in Pierce County Superior Court. (Courtesy: Family of Braylon Daniel Diaz)
According to a probable cause declaration filed by prosecutors, Diaz was walking with his girlfriend along Sheridan Avenue South on the evening of May 24 when a red Toyota Corolla approached them. Investigators allege someone inside the vehicle demanded Diaz’s necklace.
After Diaz handed over the chain, someone in the vehicle shot him in the abdomen, according to court documents. He died at the scene.
Detectives allege Vaught-Barr was driving the vehicle during the robbery and shooting. Investigators also allege Lorenzo Diaz was inside the vehicle at the time.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office later released surveillance video of the suspected vehicle and asked the public for help identifying those involved. Investigators eventually located the abandoned red Toyota Corolla in Federal Way, a development authorities said helped them identify multiple persons of interest in the case.
According to court documents, investigators believe Vaught-Barr and Lorenzo Diaz were captured on surveillance video attempting to wipe down the car used in the killing.
Investigators said they found multiple documents bearing both suspects’ names inside the vehicle. They also recovered a handwritten note from the vehicle in which the couple was arrested that included phrases such as “what we need, drivers Ls,” “spend smart,” “stack up for a lawyer,” “put apt in someone’s name,” and “find good, cheap lawyer.”
Court records indicate investigators believe additional people were involved in the robbery and shooting. The probable cause declaration identifies Brandon Torres-Mesa as the alleged shooter and states detectives believe he fired the fatal shot.
The judge set a $1 million bail for Vaught-Barr during Tuesday’s hearing, while bail for Lorenzo Diaz was set at $250,000.
Mesa is believed to be armed. If seen immediately, call 911.
