Suspect, 2 witnesses wanted for shooting at Benton City apartment

A 24-year-old man is wanted for questioning in the Friday evening shooting of a woman at a Benton City apartment.

Christian M. Hernandez has been named as a “person of interest” by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

Hernandez, who’s also known as “Lil Criminal” and “Phat Boy,” is believed to be armed and dangerous.

He is suspected of shooting Mariah Coronado in the back with a rifle.

Coronado, 22, was inside the apartment at Eighth Street and Della Avenue with several other people when she was shot, Sheriff Jerry Hatcher has said.

He initially said that investigators weren’t sure if the shooting was accidental or intentional.

Coronado was picked up by an acquaintance and driven to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, according to an update from the sheriff’s office.

Deputies responded to the hospital after being alerted by medical staff about a gunshot victim.

She is still being treated for her injuries.

In addition to Hernandez, investigators are looking for two potential witnesses: Francisco Morales Jr,, 26, and Jazmin M. Torres, 25.

Morales reportedly has active warrants for his arrest on unrelated matters.

Anyone who has information on Hernandez, Morales and Torres, or knows their whereabouts is asked to call 509-628-0333.