Nampa Man Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in 'Innocent Bystander' Shooting

Jury also convicted the 25-year-old of a gang sentencing enhancement in the 2022 incident outside a Buffalo Wild Wings.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A Canyon County jury has found 25-year-old Brian Moreno guilty of first-degree murder and a gang sentencing enhancement for the 2022 shooting death of 23-year-old Joe Flores, who was described as an 'innocent bystander' caught in the crossfire of a gang dispute outside a Nampa Buffalo Wild Wings.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gang violence in the Treasure Valley region and the tragic impact it can have on uninvolved community members. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of gang enhancement laws in deterring such crimes.

The details

According to court documents, the shooting was the product of a confrontation between rival gangs in the Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot. A cellphone video showed members of the two gangs exchanging insults, and one person telling Moreno to get a gun before three shots were fired, resulting in Flores' death.

  • On September 1, 2022, the Nampa Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at a business in the 2100 block of North Cassia Street.
  • After a trial that lasted over a week, the jury on Thursday (February 20, 2026) unanimously found Moreno guilty of killing Flores.
  • Moreno's sentencing is set for May 8, 2026 at 9 a.m. before Canyon County Judge Gabriel McCarthy.

The players

Brian Moreno

A 25-year-old man who was found guilty of first-degree murder and a gang sentencing enhancement for the 2022 shooting death of Joe Flores.

Joe Flores

A 23-year-old Caldwell resident who was described as an 'innocent bystander' caught in the crossfire of a gang dispute outside a Nampa Buffalo Wild Wings.

Lazaro Vela

An 18-year-old Nampa resident who was charged with attempted first-degree murder and rioting in relation to the incident, with his case still ongoing.

Pedro Navarro Jr.

A 21-year-old Caldwell resident who was charged with aiding and abetting first-degree murder, rioting, and aiding and abetting aggravated assault, with the first two charges dismissed and him pleading guilty to the third.

Canyon County Prosecutor's Office

The office that prosecuted the case against Moreno and the other individuals charged in relation to the shooting.

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What’s next

Moreno's sentencing is set for May 8, 2026 at 9 a.m. before Canyon County Judge Gabriel McCarthy.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gang violence in the Treasure Valley region and the tragic impact it can have on uninvolved community members, raising questions about the effectiveness of gang enhancement laws in deterring such crimes.