One of the teenagers wanted for the killing of a Riverbank man has been apprehended, while the other two remain at large.Jah-Kari Phyall, 15, of Turlock was captured around 2 p.m. Thursday in Modesto by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. Phyall was arrested without incident, said sheriff spokesman Andrew Winter. Phyall was booked into the Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall and is being held on charges of murder, carjacking, and gang-related enhancements.The sheriff’s department released no other details regarding the arrest of Phyall.The two other suspects, Turlock Diaz, 14, of Turlock and Daniel Pantoja, 18, of Riverbank have eluded capture since the Aug. 5 shooting. Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous.The fatal shooting happened around 12:30 p.m. at an AM/PM store at the intersection of Highway 108 and Oakdale Road in Riverbank. Chaz Bettencourt, 21, and a friend had driven to the convenience store to buy soda and were accosted by the three suspects in the parking lot. The friend went back into the store to ask the clerk to call 911 and then heard several shots ring out. He ran out to find Bettencourt suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and the suspects fleeing on foot.Bettencourt was transported to Doctors Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects.Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective McQueary at 525-7099. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message. Tipsters are eligible for a cash reward.To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
One teen caught, two sought for Riverbank killing
