'Don't let him be forgotten': Saginaw mom seeks justice in son's murder

Victoria G. Yrlas is appealing to the public for assistance in solving the murder of her 21-year-old son, Torriano J. Yrlas-Thomas. She believed he had gone to work on February 28 when, tragically, he was found suffering from a gunshot wound that would later prove fatal. Police were first alerted to gunfire in Saginaw, MI, at 10:27 p.m. and shortly afterward received a call about a vehicle crash in the vicinity, leading to Yrlas-Thomas being transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Yrlas was unaware of the grim reality until police arrived at her home in the early morning hours to deliver the news. Describing her son, she remembered him as a caring individual with a strong passion for fitness, boxing, nature, and minibikes, reinforcing the love and admiration that surrounded him in life. Yrlas-Thomas was known for his talent in fixing and rebuilding minibikes, a hobby that snowballed into a garage full of projects he undertook for friends and community members.

As the third of four siblings, Yrlas-Thomas graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 2021 and was cherished by his family and community. His mother fondly recalled how he transformed from a quiet child into a dedicated athlete after joining the Saginaw Boxing Club, showing remarkable improvement in both fitness and self-confidence. His passion was evident, as he even assembled an exercise bike for his mother to encourage her own fitness journey.

In the wake of this devastating loss, various community organizations, such as Parents Of Murdered Children and HELP, have come forward to support Yrlas. She is now urging anyone with potential information regarding her son's murder to contact Saginaw Police Detective Tyrel Smith, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preventing this case from becoming another unsolved tragedy.

"Speak up. Don't let him be another case that can't be solved," Yrlas pleaded. In addition to her, Yrlas-Thomas leaves behind a young daughter, further emphasizing the enduring impact of his untimely death on family and community.