All seven defendants indicted for their roles in the murders of Rosenda Strong and Jedidah Iesha Moreno have been sentenced, according to information made public on March 30.
The conclusion of these cases brings an end to a lengthy investigation that began after both women were reported missing from within the Yakama Nation Indian reservation in October 2018. The resolution is significant for the families and communities affected, as well as for law enforcement agencies that spent years pursuing justice.
Rosenda Strong, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, was reported missing in early October 2018. Later that month, Jedidah Iesha Moreno was also reported missing. Investigations by the Yakama Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that both women were last seen within reservation boundaries. In November 2018, Moreno's remains were found; she had been bound and shot with multiple caliber bullets. In July 2019, Strong's remains were discovered inside a freezer on tribal land.
Investigators conducted hundreds of interviews across the United States over several years before learning that Moreno had killed Strong at a residence in Wapato, Washington. Several individuals then helped dispose of Strong’s body by placing it in a freezer and later dumping it at a remote location identified by Wilson Louis Hunt. Days after Strong’s death, violence continued: Moreno shot Hunt and later attempted to shoot Andrew Zack during an altercation at another residence.
Further events led to Uriel Balentine Badillo restraining Moreno and transporting her back to Toppenish where she was forced into a vehicle trunk and shot multiple times before her body was dumped by two juveniles with further gunshots fired afterward. Joshua Max Estrada later assisted one juvenile in moving Moreno’s body again before leaving it at its final location.
A federal indictment was returned on June 13, 2023 against all known participants; each defendant pled guilty. Sentences ranged from over two years to more than twenty-four years depending on charges such as accessory after the fact or kidnapping resulting in death.
First Assistant Pete Serrano said: “The sentencing of Kevin Brehm today concludes an intensive seven-year long investigation by our tribal partners, federal agencies, local police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring justice to Rosenda Strong.” Serrano added: “Rosenda Strong was senselessly murdered and for years her family sought answers... we hope today brings a measure of peace and finality to this community.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle said: “Seven and a half years after this horrific murder, the final sentence in this tragic case has been handed down... We do not forget. We do not give up. And we will hold violent offenders accountable, no matter how long it takes.”
The case was investigated by federal authorities alongside tribal police officers from Yakama Nation.
