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The Deadly Encounter
Police say the deadly altercation happened the night of September 13 in a parking lot. Officers described it as a violent dispute between Juan, his 17-year-old brother Javier — also known as “Milo” — and a 36-year-old man whose identity has not been released.
When police arrived, Javier was found lying on the ground, unresponsive, with tire marks across his stomach, according to a probable cause statement. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.
Police Side with Stranger, Not Family
The unnamed 36-year-old told investigators that Juan had pulled out a black knife and threatened him before things turned physical. Juan reportedly admitted that the man had struck Javier in the face during the scuffle, which led him to jump into his vehicle and attempt to strike the man in retaliation.
In the process, police say, Juan hit the man but also fatally ran over his younger brother. Authorities questioned the 36-year-old but released him without charges. Juan, however, was arrested on the spot.
A Father’s Worst Nightmare
The boys’ father, Joseph, says the official story leaves out critical details. According to a GoFundMe page organized by a family friend, Joseph received a terrifying phone call from his sons during the incident.
“The boys were terrified — being chased aggressively by a man. Joseph told them to head toward the Yuma Police Department and call 911 while he rushed out the door in fear for his children’s safety,” the page reads.
But by the time Joseph arrived at the scene, the tragedy had already unfolded.
“What followed only compounded the heartbreak. Joseph was denied the right to be with his son in his final moments — barred from riding in the ambulance and kept away at the hospital. Within an hour, Milo passed away without the comfort of his father by his side,” the fundraiser explained.
Community Pushes Back
Locals in Yuma have rallied to support the Figueroa family. A petition calling for justice for the brothers has already gathered nearly 1,000 signatures.
“I want to get justice for my son,” Joseph told KTVK. “They’re making it seem like he’s the aggressor when I know he’s not the aggressor.”
More Questions Than Answers
For now, Juan Figueroa sits in jail awaiting his next court appearance. His family argues he was defending his brother during a terrifying chase and that police rushed to judgment.
With the community rallying behind the grieving father, this case has turned into more than a tragic family accident — it’s raising serious questions about how justice is served in America when ordinary citizens defend themselves against violent threats.
