Teen killed in Parkland has been identified. Investigators ask public for help
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday that the teen boy fatally shot in Parkland on Sunday evening was 17-year-old Braylon Daniel Diaz.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office website Monday said that 17-year-old Braylon Daniel Diaz died in an incident that happened shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday. The website listed his cause of death as pending. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Carly Cappetto confirmed Monday that Diaz is the teenager who was shot and killed in Parkland.
The sheriff’s office said he was walking in the area when a car pulled up and unknown individuals robbed him of jewelry, shot him and drove away, The News Tribune reported. The initial dispatch call came in at 7:13 p.m., and the boy was found lying in the road in the 10200 block of Sheridan Avenue South. Responding deputies were unable to save Diaz’s life. As previously reported by The News Tribune, the department is seeking surveillance footage that may have captured suspects in the area.
Initially the sheriff’s office reported that Diaz was 16, but Cappetto clarified on Monday that he was 17. She said she had no further public updates about the investigation as of 2:15 p.m.
A GoFundMe fundraiser that said it was created to help cover funeral costs “and support our family as we navigate this unimaginable grief,” had raised about $2,500 as of 5 p.m. Monday.
“Braylon Daniel Diaz was a bright, loving 17-year-old who meant the world to our family. He was tragically shot and killed while walking his girlfriend home on a residential street, leaving us devastated and searching for answers,” the GoFundMe website said. “Braylon’s life was cut short far too soon, and his loss has left a deep void in the hearts of everyone who knew him. If anyone has information about the incident, please come forward. The investigation is still active, and any help in finding answers is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support, kindness and for sharing Braylon’s story.”
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with comments from a GoFundMe website that says it’s raising funds to support the family.
This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 3:28 PM.
