A 22-year-old Chehalis man could face life in prison for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in May of 2023.
Dayton L. Keyes made his first appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Wednesday afternoon, nearly two and a half years since the shooting.
He is charged with two counts of first-degree assault.
On that day in 2023, Brandon Nino and Jennifer Garduno-Luna were driving on Oxford Avenue in Centralia when they were ambushed by gunfire from four teenagers crossing the street.
Francisco Nino-Villanueva, who was expecting their arrival to his house, attempted to drive the two gunshot victims to the hospital. He crashed his car on the way there.
A Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived and transported all three to the hospital.
During their initial investigation, Centralia police discovered 24 9mm casings from two different brands and four 40mm casings at the scene of the shooting. They later identified four suspects.
But no charges were filed.
In January 2025, detectives spoke with a source who allegedly provided statements only law enforcement would know.
That source confirmed the supposed identities of the four suspects. He said only three guns were used, which corresponded with the detectives’ findings. The source reportedly told detectives that the suspects divulged what had happened just a day or so after the shooting.
One of those suspects, Vincent A. Rhoades, 18, of Centralia, was charged with two counts of first-degree assault in February. On July 2, he made a virtual preliminary court appearance from the Green Hill School, where he was incarcerated.
According to court documents, Rhoades must be transported to the Lewis County Jail by Thursday, Oct. 23, for an omnibus hearing. A trial confirmation is scheduled for Nov. 13.
Another suspect, Ronnie Mercado, 24, of Pasco, was also charged in February, and an arrest warrant was issued. Mercado has yet to make an appearance in Lewis County Superior Court.
The third suspect charged was Keyes.
During his hearing, Deputy Prosecutor Scott Jackson asked the court to maintain the $500,000 bail amount set in Keyes’ arrest warrant. Defense attorney Rachael Tiller argued for no more than $100,000, saying that Keyes has an alibi and would maintain he was not involved.
“I'm not seeing anything linking Keyes to this case other than finger pointing,” Tiller added, referring to the prosecutor’s declaration of probable cause.
Judge Paul Strophy upheld the original bail amount of $500,000 and scheduled an arraignment for Oct. 9. Albert Didcock has been assigned to represent Keyes.
