Man Wanted in Toppenish Casino Shooting Dies in Idaho
A man wanted for the shooting of his ex-girlfriend in the parking lot of Legends Casino has been killed in a shooting with police in Idaho.
Authorities had issued an arrest warrant for 41-year-old Buddy Byron McKenzie
Authorities have been searching for 41-year-old Buddy Byron McKenzie of Richland after the shooting in Toppenish on October 4 of 37-year-old Lupe Torres. Torres remains in a local hospital. Her condition is unknown. An arrest warrant was issued earlier this week for his arrest. But that's not needed now. However that won't stop the investigation in Yakima County. Detectives still want to speak with the victim.
McKenzie first fired shots at Idaho authorities who chased and shot him
Yakima County Sheriff's Detectives say Mckenzie was involved in a pursuit and officer-involved shooting in Bannock County, Idaho on Tuesday. The confirmation of his death came Thursday from the Bannock County Coroner.
The incident remains under investigation by the Southeastern Idaho Critical Incident Team.
The Yakima County Sheriff's Office press release says;
Information from Bannock County Sheriff’s Office says that Buddy had fired multiple gunshots at law enforcement and then fled in a pickup. The pursuit lasted about 20 minutes, the pickup came to a stop, Buddy presented a lethal threat, and law enforcement responded to that threat.
The investigation continues in Yakima as well but the hunt for the suspect is now over.
Yakima County Sheriff's Detectives are working closely with authorities in Idaho and the Yakima Nation in the investigation. Security cameras at the casino helped identify the suspect after the shooting.