By Richard Byrd Columbia Basin Herald

ROYAL CITY, Wash. – A Royal City man has been taken into custody for allegedly shooting and killing his father early Wednesday morning.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office says emergency responders were dispatched to the 400 block of Juniper Circle in Royal City about 1:30 a.m. in reference to a shooting a victim. The victim, Jesus Torres Flores, 58, was reportedly found dead inside of a vehicle in the driveway. His 21-year-old son, Jonathan Torres, has been taken into custody for homicide.

Detectives learned Jonathan was riding in the back of vehicle driven by his mother, with his father riding in the front passenger seat.

“For reasons yet to be determined, Jonathan shot his father in the head while the vehicle was traveling somewhere near O’Sullivan Reservoir. The mother then drove to the family’s Royal City home where 9-1-1 was called,” states the GCSO.

Jonathan was booked into the Grant County Jail for investigation of first-degree murder. Jonathan, along with his brother Jesus, were identified as being involved in a Nov. 14 shooting in Royal City that left a man injured. Jesus provided police with a statement, but Jonathan was on the run until his arrest.

“This is a heartbreaking turn of events, and detectives will be committing their fullest attention to this investigation to prepare a solid case for prosecution,” Sheriff Tom Jones said.

The homicide is under investigation.