All seven defendants indicted for their involvement in the murders of Rosenda Strong and Jedidah Iesha Moreno have been sentenced, according to information released on March 30.
The conclusion of these cases brings closure to a lengthy investigation into the disappearances and deaths of two women last seen within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian reservation. The efforts spanned several years, involving tribal, federal, and local law enforcement agencies.
Rosenda Strong was reported missing in early October 2018. Later that month, Jedidah Iesha Moreno was also reported missing. Both were last seen on Yakama Nation land. Investigations led by the Yakama Nation Police Department (YNPD) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began soon after. On November 28, 2018, Moreno’s remains were found in a closed area of the reservation; she had been bound and shot multiple times. On July 4, 2019, Strong’s remains were discovered inside a freezer on tribal land.
Over several years, authorities conducted hundreds of interviews across the United States and executed multiple search warrants before determining that Moreno had killed Strong at a residence in Wapato, Washington. Afterward, Andrew Zack and Jamaal Pimms placed Strong’s body into a freezer with help from others who later disposed of it under Wilson Louis Hunt’s guidance. Shortly after this incident, Moreno shot Hunt but was later restrained by Uriel Balentine Badillo following another violent confrontation with Zack. Badillo then forced Moreno into a vehicle trunk before shooting her; two juveniles later dumped her body at another location where further shots were fired.
On June 13, 2023, indictments charged all known individuals involved in both murders; all eventually pled guilty. Sentences ranged from over two years to more than twenty-four years for crimes including kidnapping resulting in death and accessory after the fact.
“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,” stated First Assistant Pete Serrano. “Rosenda Strong was senselessly murdered and for years her family sought answers… We will continue to fight for those silenced by violence.”
“Seven and a half years after this horrific murder, the final sentence in this tragic case has been handed down,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle. “We hope today will help bring a degree of comfort and closure to the families… We do not forget. We do not give up.”
The case was investigated by both federal agents from FBI Seattle Division as well as officers from YNPD.
