Everett Gang Member Sentenced for 2023 Murder
Uriel Hernandez-Martinez received 12.5 years in prison for his role in a fatal gang-related drive-by shooting.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Violence
Uriel Hernandez-Martinez, 24, was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for his role in the 2023 killing of 15-year-old Bryan Tamayo-Franco. The sentencing follows a plea deal in which Hernandez-Martinez testified against the gunman, Victor Torres-Zuniga.
Why it matters
The murder of Bryan Tamayo-Franco was the result of a violent conflict between the Vatos Locos Surenos and Sur Town Rascals gangs. Hernandez-Martinez's cooperation provided critical testimony in the conviction of Torres-Zuniga for the crime.
Hernandez-Martinez received a 12.5-year sentence following his guilty plea for second-degree murder. Victor Torres-Zuniga, convicted on October 1, 2026, for first-degree murder and assault, awaits sentencing in January 2027.
The players
Uriel Hernandez-Martinez
He is a 24-year-old member of the Vatos Locos Surenos gang who testified against his accomplice.
Victor Torres-Zuniga
He is a 22-year-old convicted gunman awaiting sentencing for first-degree murder.
Bryan Tamayo-Franco
He was a 15-year-old victim killed during a drive-by shooting on Hardeson Road.
The details
Hernandez-Martinez, a member of the Vatos Locos Surenos gang, and Torres-Zuniga stole a Kia Soul to execute the drive-by shooting on Hardeson Road in south Everett. The victim was killed while at a bus stop in September 2023.
Timeline
March 2023: Hernandez-Martinez was shot in the leg.
September 8, 2023: Bryan Tamayo-Franco was killed in a drive-by shooting.
January 2025: Hernandez-Martinez entered into a plea agreement.
October 1, 2026: Victor Torres-Zuniga was convicted of murder.
October 15, 2026: Hernandez-Martinez was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison.
Legal Context
This criminal case follows a pattern set by the ongoing war between the Vatos Locos Surenos and Sur Town Rascals gangs. Such gang-related violence often leads to severe judicial outcomes as local courts address recurring territorial conflicts.
The conclusion of this case brings a high-profile prosecution to a close in the Everett community. Residents living near Hardeson Road and throughout the city may find resolution in the court's sentencing of the individuals responsible for the 2023 shooting.
The takeaway
The sentencing of Hernandez-Martinez highlights the serious judicial consequences for gang members involved in violent crimes. Cooperation with law enforcement remains a primary factor in plea agreements for defendants involved in fatal shootings.
What happens next
Victor Torres-Zuniga is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2027 for his convictions related to the shooting.
Further reading
For more information on regional safety, read the latest news on Violence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Herald net.
