An 18-year-old suspect is being held on an immigration detainer after prosecutors allege he played a central role in luring a Missouri teenager into a planned ambush that ended in the teen’s death, as reported [1] by Fox News.
Yefry Archaga, 18, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the March 12 killing of 15-year-old Miles Young in Greene County, Missouri.
Jail records show Archaga is being held without bond and is subject to a federal immigration hold.
AMBUSH: Missouri teen allegedly lured to fake meetup, shot while pleading for his life — suspect held on federal immigration detainer. Yefry Archaga faces first-degree murder charges in killing of 15-year-old Miles Young. A second suspect is also charged. https://t.co/oqW4ko1yJf [2]
— Fox News US (@FoxUSNews) April 6, 2026 [3]
A second suspect, Praize King, 18, is also charged in the case with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
Authorities have indicated that additional individuals may have been involved, including at least one juvenile suspect who has not been publicly identified.
According to court documents obtained by the Springfield Daily Citizen, prosecutors allege the killing was premeditated.
Investigators say Archaga “planned and set up a 15-year-old boy to be murdered,” arranging a scenario in which Young believed he was meeting a girl before being ambushed.
Documents cited by KY3 indicate the group had been driving around Springfield discussing the plan prior to the attack.
Authorities say the suspects used two vehicles, including a black Mercedes, to track Young’s movements and coordinate the encounter.
Investigators say a juvenile suspect picked up Young after leading him to believe he was meeting a girl, despite warnings that it could be a setup. When the vehicle stopped, Young attempted to flee.
A witness told investigators that Archaga, allegedly wearing a black ski mask and armed with a “Glock-style” handgun, chased the teen on foot.
“Defendant ambushed victim, chased victim on foot, and shot victim as victim was stating he wanted to live,” the probable cause statement says, according to the Springfield Daily Citizen.
Another witness reported hearing Young fall and cry out, “I just don’t wanna die,” followed by gunshots.
Young was struck in the chest and later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Authorities say the teen may have been targeted in connection with a prior dispute. Court documents indicate Young was expected to testify in a homicide case scheduled for 2025.
Following the shooting, investigators allege Archaga fled the area. He was arrested on March 31 in Webb City after a two-week search. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 13.
The case has drawn attention due to the immigration hold placed on Archaga. Officials have not released additional details regarding his immigration status.
Young’s family described the loss in a public statement shared through a fundraising page.
“Miles was a compassionate, loving, and kind 15-year-old who brought light to everyone around him,” the statement reads. “He was a big brother, a son, a grandson, and a friend… full of life and always showed care for others.”
The statement continued, “No parent should ever have to outlive and bury their child.”
As the investigation continues, authorities have not released further information about potential additional suspects or charges.
BREAKING: 18-year-old illegal alien gang member charged with 1st degree murder in MO.
Yefry Archaga lured a 15-year-old boy, ambushed him, chased him down, then executed him as he pleaded for his life.
Think of this child every time the Democrats demand that ICE be abolished. pic.twitter.com/Inn2Vo3oIp [4]
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) April 4, 2026 [5]
Fox News Digital reported that requests for comment sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service were not immediately returned.