Police arrest 16-year-old, search for 14-year-old in connection with slaying at Federal Way Taco Bell

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- Federal Way police say a 16-year-old has been arrested and a 14-year-old boy is wanted in connection with the homicide of a teenager.

Sixteen-year-old Wesley Gennings was found Feb. 13 with a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head. He was seated in his car in a Taco Bell parking lot on SW Campus Dr.

Witnesses reported seeing two suspects who were in the vehicle with him flee on foot.

According to the Federal Way Police Department, detectives received information that led them to two teenagers as suspects.

Investigators arrested a 16-year-old suspect Thursday at Thomas Jefferson High School. They said he had a handgun in his possession at the time.

After interviewing him, police said they learned that both suspects met Gennings to buy marijuana and had been inside the victim’s car.

“Through investigation the police department can confidently report that this senseless crime was purely motivated by the sale and distribution of drugs,” said police spokesperson Cathy Schrock.

The second suspect is still wanted and police said he should be considered armed and dangerous. Federal Way police have identified him as Diante J. Pellum, 14, of Tacoma. He is an eighth-grade student at Saghalie Middle School. Pellum is 5’ 5” tall, 135 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Q13 News’ policy is to not release the identity of minors accused of crimes unless circumstances dictate otherwise. In this case, we are releasing this information because Federal Way police say the 14-year-old is a threat to public safety.

“DO NOT ATTEMPT to contact Pellum, he should be considered armed and dangerous.  If you have any information about his whereabouts call 911 immediately,” said Schrock.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that the victim died from homicidal violence.

Federal Way police are working with the King County Prosecutor’s Office and the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

“The investigating detectives collected forensic evidence samples for submission to the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab for analysis and interviewed dozens of individuals to identify the individuals responsible for this violent crime,” said Schrock.

“This is an active complicated investigation with many moving parts and the Federal Way Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough investigation.  Additional information will be released as the investigation progresses. The Federal Way Police Department thanks the community for the outpouring of support by mainstream media, social media, and the anonymous tips that assisted us with this investigation.”

Police did not identify the 16-year-old suspect because he is already in custody and has not yet been charged.

Federal Way School District released the following statement on Friday: