Valentín Morales, 18, Killed in Yuma Shooting

Yuma — An 18-year-old man was killed in a shooting Sunday evening after gunfire erupted in a residential area, prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities.

According to the Yuma Police Department, officers responded around 7:48 p.m. to reports of shots fired in the 500 block of South 15th Avenue. When they arrived, they found Valentín Morales unresponsive and immediately began life-saving efforts at the scene.

Police say a white four-door sedan entered the area, fired multiple rounds, and then fled southbound on 15th Avenue. Valentín was struck during the shooting and was transported to Onvida Health, where he later died from his injuries.

Witnesses reported seeing at least three male suspects inside the vehicle, described as Black or Hispanic. Authorities have not released further identifying details, and no arrests have been announced. The case remains under active investigation, and officials are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Valentín had just turned 18 the month prior, and his sudden death has deeply affected his family and those who knew him. Loved ones describe him as a kind and joyful young man who enjoyed music, spending time with others, and finding happiness in everyday moments.

In the wake of the tragedy, a fundraising effort has been organized to help support his family with immediate needs.

As investigators continue working to determine what led to the shooting, the community is left mourning a life lost too soon and remembering the person Valentín was beyond the violence that took his life.