Joshawa Max Estrada has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for his involvement as an accessory after the fact in the murder of Jedidah Iesha Moreno. The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker and delivered by Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian.
The events leading to Estrada's sentencing began with the October 2018 murder of Rosenda Strong, allegedly committed by Moreno following a dispute at a residence known as the House of Souls in Wapato, Washington. Moreno reportedly sought assistance to dispose of Strong's body, which was subsequently hidden near a towing service in Toppenish, Washington.
On October 6, 2018, another confrontation involving Moreno and Andrew Norris Zack occurred at the Estrada Ranch in Wapato, resulting in Zack being shot in the hand. Uriel Balentin Badillo later found Moreno unresponsive when asked about Zack's condition. Badillo then transported Moreno back to the House of Souls before she was physically restrained and placed into a vehicle trunk where she was fatally shot.
Estrada became involved after learning from Badillo about Moreno's murder and her body's location. He assisted in relocating her remains to a more secluded area near White Swan, Washington, as directed by Badillo. Estrada also removed evidence from the scene.
Moreno's remains were discovered on November 28, 2018, prompting law enforcement involvement.
Acting U.S. Attorney Barker expressed gratitude for those who came forward with information: “The families in the Rosenda Strong and Jedidah Iesha Moreno cases have waited years to obtain some measure of justice on behalf of their loved ones.” He urged others with information on unsolved cases involving missing or murdered indigenous people to come forward.
Special Agent W. Mike Herrington from the FBI’s Seattle field office stated: “Mr. Estrada is yet another defendant to be held accountable in this tragic case... While prison sentences can bring justice and a sense of closure for loved ones, ultimately nothing can bring back the victims.”
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with help from Yakama Nation authorities and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Hanlon and Michael D. Murphy.
Other defendants connected to this case include Andrew Norris Zack, Jamaal Antwan Pimms, Kevin Todd Brehm, and Uriel Balentin Badillo—all having pleaded guilty to charges related to these events. Michael Lee Moody also pleaded guilty and received an 87-month federal prison sentence.
