Michael Lee Moody has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for his involvement as an accessory after the fact in the murder of Rosenda Strong. The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker and took place under Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian.
The murder occurred on or about October 5, 2018, when Jedidah Iesha Moreno shot and killed Rosenda Strong following an argument at a residence known as the House of Souls in Wapato, Washington. After the murder, Moreno sought assistance to dispose of Strong's body. It was wrapped in a tarp and placed into a freezer by Andrew Norris Zack and Jamaal Pimms before being transported and dumped near M&R Towing off Highway 97 in Toppenish, Washington.
Subsequent events involved further violence, including Moreno shooting Zack during an argument at Estrada Ranch. Uriel Balentin Badillo later drove Moreno back to the House of Souls after receiving a call that Zack was in trouble. At this location, Moreno was physically restrained and forced into a Chevrolet Impala before being shot multiple times by Badillo.
Moreno's body was moved several times before being discovered on November 28, 2018. On July 4, 2019, human remains identified as belonging to Rosenda Strong were found through dental records.
Acting United States Attorney Barker commented on the efforts made to bring justice for Rosenda Strong: "The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and Yakama Nation Tribal Police worked for years to bring to justice those responsible for Rosenda Strong’s tragic death and the subsequent coverup." He also acknowledged the dedication of Assistant United States Attorneys Tom Hanlon and Michael Murphy.
Special Agent W. Mike Herrington from FBI Seattle emphasized their commitment: “Together with our partners, FBI Seattle is committed to investigating crimes on tribal lands no matter how long it takes.”
This case involved investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from Yakama Nation authorities and prosecution by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Hanlon and Michael D. Murphy.
Several defendants related to this case have pleaded guilty including Andrew Norris Zack, Jamaal Antwan Pimms, Kevin Todd Brehm, Joshawa Max Estradaand Uriel Balentin Badillo.