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Turlock Teen Arrested In Riverbank Homicide
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Detectives are still looking for two of the three teens suspected of killing a Riverbank man in the early morning hours of Thursday, Aug. 5 outside a Riverbank mini mart in the parking lot at Oakdale and Patterson Roads.

Chaz Bettencourt, 21, of Riverbank died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Police arrested Jah-Kari Phyall, 15, of Turlock on Friday, Aug. 13 in Modesto, but Daniel Pantoja, 18, of Riverbank and Turlock Diaz, 14, of Turlock are still at large.

Ordinarily, The Riverbank News does not list the names of juveniles in criminal proceedings but since the two younger teens were and are suspects at large, an exception to the rule has been made. Pantoja, at 18, is no longer considered a juvenile.

Phyall was booked into the Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall on a charge of murder and carjacking with gang-related enhancements to his charges.

Sheriff's officials stated Pantoja and Diaz are both facing murder charges when caught and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Stanislaus County is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrests of anyone connected to the case.

According to police reports, Bettencourt had gone to the mini mart for a soda when he was approached by three teens who demanded his car keys. He refused and they attacked.

Police officials have been reported as saying the assailants attacked the victim "like a pack of wolves."

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Detective McQueary at 209-525-7099. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips to http://www.modestopolice.com/Crime Stoppers or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704"plus a message. Tipsters are eligible for a cash reward.