Phoenix-area homicides in May 2023: Suspect arrested in shooting death of Curtis Haskins
For the month of May, The Arizona Republic is documenting homicides in the early stages of investigation. If you have a tip on an incident we've reported on, or on one we've missed, send us information at https://azcentral.formstack.com/forms/homicide_tips.
Here is a list of known homicides being investigated, from the most recent.
Suspect arrested in Phoenix shooting death of Curtis Haskins, 34
What happened: Phoenix police officers responding to calls about a shooting found a man with a gun with a gunshot wound. The man, identified by police as Curtis Haskins, 34, later died at a hospital.
The suspect left the scene prior to the officers arriving, according to police.
Where and when: About 11:23 a.m. May 31, at the Phoenician Palms apartment complex, near West Dunlap and North 35th avenues.
Arrests and charges: Jaguar Leonza Mixson, 23, was taken into custody on June 2 and charged with first-degree murder. Police did not disclose how Mixson was narrowed down as a suspect and apprehended. Mixson is also facing charges of armed robbery, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person and theft of a means of transportation. Jail records do not appear to show Mixson is being held on bond.
Prison time: Man who killed Maricopa County jail guard sentenced to 33 years
2 dead in Chandler, police investigating
What happened: Chandler police responded to an "unknown problem" and found two people killed at a home. Police said one was due to a "self-inflicted injury" and there is no outstanding threat to the public.
Where and when: Around 3 a.m. May 31, near McClintock Drive and Ray Road.
Arrests and charges: No arrests have been made.
Katherine Holmberg, 41, killed in suspected murder-suicide in Chandler
What happened: Chandler officers responded to a home where 38-year-old Kevin Holmberg stepped outside and shot himself in front of the officers. Officers entered the residence where they found his wife 41-year-old Katherine Holmberg dead from a gunshot wound police believe Kevin inflicted along with her unborn child. No one else was home when the incident occurred.
Where and when: Just after 2 a.m. on May 31 near Ray Road and McClintock Drive.
Arrests and charges: No arrests were made.
More information: Services for Arizonans in crisis include:
Dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Arizona.
Solari Crisis & Human Services offers a free, statewide crisis line 24/7/365 – dial 844-534-HOPE (4673). Help is also available 24/7/365 via text by texting “hope” to 4HOPE (4673).
Dial 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available in English and Spanish. It's free and confidential for those in distress who need prevention or crisis resources for themselves or loved ones.
La Frontera Empact Suicide Prevention Center's crisis line serves Maricopa and Pinal counties 24/7 at 480-784-1500.
Teen Lifeline 24/7 crisis line serves teens at 602-248-8336 for Maricopa County and 1-800-248-8336 statewide.
The Trevor Project Lifeline serves LGBTQ youth at 866-488-7386.
Amalia Raouf Ishak, 29, killed in Avondale; husband arrested
What happened: Avondale police responded to a residence for a report of shots fired and a woman screaming. Officers found the woman, now identified as Amalia Raouf Ishak, 29, with gunshot wounds and a man, identified as 53-year-old Jose Chagnon, who barricaded himself in the home. Chagnon exited the home an hour later and was taken into custody.
Ishak died after being taken to a hospital.
When and where: About 2:14 p.m. May 30, near 119th Lane and Belmont Drive.
Arrests and charges: Jose Chagnon, 53, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of kidnapping and one count of endangerment.
Avondale case: Man accused of killing wife says he 'blacked out' during shooting, police say
Brian Rose, Douglas Shippy killed in Goodyear DUI crash
What happened: Emergency crews were dispatched after a three-vehicle crash was reported. Two men, identified as Brian Rose, 43 and Douglas Shippy, 58, died in the crash.
A man, identified by police as Andrew Michael Lugo, 50, was driving westbound on Indian School Road with his fiancée and her daughter in the vehicle. He said he was waiting at a red light at Falcon Drive when another car approached in the lane next to his. A witness said when the light changed both vehicles accelerated and began racing each other. Investigators say they determined both vehicles were driving at a minimum speed of 80-90 mph.
A third vehicle was hit at the 144th Avenue intersection and its driver was "immediately killed" upon impact, according to court records. Lugo then struck the car he was racing at a speed high enough to pin the driver down and roll the vehicle which killed the driver, police said.
When and where: Evening of May 29 near 155th Avenue and Indian School Road.
Arrests and charges: Andrew Michael Lugo, 50, was arrested following the crash and faced charges including manslaughter, endangerment, aggravated DUI with a passenger under 15, extreme DUI and racing/exhibition of speed.
More information: Lugo refused to take any sobriety test assessments and denied driving under the influence. A blood test later showed alcohol levels at 0.15%, almost twice the legal limit.
18-year-old shoots, kills 15-year-old while riding with him in car, police say
What happened: An 18-year-old was arrested after police say he shot and killed a 15-year-old while he was traveling with the teen and the rest of his family inside a car.
According to Phoenix police, the suspect, identified as Gabriel Hernandez, 18, was a family friend and was sitting behind the passenger seat, where the victim was sitting, when he removed a gun from his waistband and pulled the trigger, shooting the victim in the back.
Hernandez rolled out of the vehicle as the mother of the victim drove them to the hospital. The 15-year-old died at the hospital.
Hernandez later surrendered to police.
When and where: Early morning of May 28, near Lower Buckeye Road and 99th Avenue.
Arrests and charges: Hernandez was booked into Maricopa County Jail and faces a charge of second-degree murder, a class one felony.
Rubi Lopez, 23, dies in hit and run in Phoenix
What happened: Phoenix police responded to reports of a serious crash between two cars. When they arrived, officers found a woman identified as Rubi Lopez, 23, lying on the roadway. The Phoenix Fire Department provided Rubi with medical aid but she was later pronounced dead on scene. The driver of Lopez's car was also injured but didn't need hospitalization. The driver of the other car, who was identified by police as Saul Figueroa, 18, took off in his car before police arrived. Police said Figeroa ran a red light before crashing into Lopez's car and they also believe he was impaired at the time.
When and where: Just after 4 a.m. on May 27 near 71st Avenue and Thomas Road.
Arrests and charges: Phoenix officers later found Figueroa at his home and took him into custody. He was booked into jail under manslaughter charges.
Nicholas Arnstad, Julian Cox, Stephen Young, John Swain killed in linked shootings
What happened: The Mesa Police Department arrested Iren Byers, 20, after four separate shootings in Mesa and one in Phoenix left four people dead, and one person injured on May 26 and May 27.
On May 26 around 3:40 p.m., Phoenix police say Byers shot 41-year-old Nicholas Arnstad next to a canal near 24th and Oak Streets in Phoenix. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Read more: Man's dislike of drug use, homelessness potential motives to killing 4 in Phoenix and Mesa
Just before 10:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to Beverly Park in Mesa near Alma School Road and Main Street for a report of a person found dead. Officers discovered the body of Julian Cox, 41.
A third victim, a 36-year-old woman, was found near Stewart and Main streets at about 12:15 a.m. on May 27. She was transported to the hospital and remained in stable condition.
Another person called police just before 1 a.m. on May 27 to report a dead man near a bus stop at Country Club Drive and Second Avenue. Officers arrived and found the body of 41-year-old Stephen Young.
As officers combed the area, they discovered another body just after 2 a.m. near South Extension Road and Main Street. The man was identified as John Swain, 40.
Arrests and charges: Iren Byers was arrested in the evening of May 27 in Mesa. He was booked into jail by the Mesa Police Department under four counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree attempted murder.
Felix Espino-Garcia, 26, shot dead in west Phoenix home, 2 others injured
What happened: Phoenix police officers responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found three adult victims shot. An adult male, identified as 26-year-old Felix Espino-Garcia was pronounced dead at the hospital, while two women, received care for non-life-threatening injuries. Police have yet to identify a suspect.
When and where: At 9 p.m. May 25 near 48th Avenue and Almeria Road.
Arrests and charges: No arrests have been made.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Adrian Cantu Silva, 32, found dead shot in west Phoenix
What happened: Phoenix police officers responded to a call of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found a dead man with a gunshot wound. Police identified him as Adrian Cantu Silva, 32.
When and where: At 4 a.m. May 24 near 43rd Avenue and Camelback Road.
Arrests and charges: Rebecca Rodriguez, 30, was arrested on June 5 after investigators identified her as a suspect. Details about her involvement were not released.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Maurice Marshall, 41, shot dead in Glendale apartment complex parking lot, suspect in custody
What happened: Glendale police responded to reports of "shots fired" in an apartment complex parking lot. Upon arrival, officers found Marshall with multiple gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Police said the suspect, 37-year-old Quincy Lofton, shot Marshall multiple times after the two got into a "verbal altercation."
When and where: At 7:15 p.m. May 23 near the 6700 block of West Glendale Avenue
Arrests and charges: 37-year-old Quincy Lofton was arrested on May 25 and booked on a second degree murder and weapons charge.
Man found shot dead in an encampment under I-17 freeway
What happened: Phoenix police officers responded to an area near an encampment regarding a subject with a gun. When officers arrived, they did not locate the subject but did hear gunshots in the area. Officers were contacted and directed to an encampment where they located a man with gunshot wounds.
When and where: About 6 p.m. May 20 at an encampment under the Maricopa Freeway on Third Street.
Arrests and charges: No arrests have been made.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Nixon Petit, 50, found dead shot outside business
What happened: Phoenix police officers responded to reports of a shooting and found a man, who was later identified as Nixon Petit, 50, with gunshot wounds outside of a business. He was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
When and where: About 3:45 a.m. on May 20 near 27th Avenue and Augusta Avenue.
Arrests and charges: Officers arrested Justine Demunga, 26, in connection to the shooting.
More information: Demunga was found in Oro Valley on May 23 and he was booked into jail under multiple charges including second-degree murder.
Read more: Man arrested in connection to shooting death of security guard in Phoenix
Arturo Cabrera-Garcia, 49, dead in north Phoenix stabbing; 22-year-old arrested
What happened: Officers responded to a home where they found three adults with stabbing injuries. Arturo Cabrera-Garcia, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene. An unidentified woman was treated at a local hospital and another man, identified as Ulises Alexander Garcia-Garcia, 22, was treated at the scene.
When and where: About 4 p.m. May 16 near 19th Avenue and Greenway Road.
Arrests and charges: Cabrera-Garcia was arrested on multiple charges, including murder. The investigation and details regarding the case were still ongoing, police said.
Read more: Man arrested in north Phoenix deadly stabbing
Stabbing in north Phoenix killed 1, injured 2
What happened: Police responded to a stabbing where one man died at the scene, one man was treated at the scene, and one woman was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Two children were inside the residence at the time the authorities arrived and were unharmed, the police said.
When and where: After 4 p.m. May 15 near 19th Avenue and Greenway Road.
Arrests: No arrests.
More information: Under investigation
Read more: Stabbing in North Phoenix killed 1, injured 2
Police: Homeowner shoots Aires Jordan Holmes, 31, in south Phoenix residence; no arrests
What happened: Phoenix police responded to a shooting near a residence in south Phoenix and found a man, identified as 31-year-old Aires Jordan Holmes, with gunshot wounds. Holmes was pronounced dead at the scene.
The owner of the residence was found inside the home.
According to police, preliminary information suggests Holmes unlawfully entered the residence at which time there was a confrontation between Holmes and the homeowner. It was during this confrontation that the homeowner shot Holmes. The homeowner was released after being interviewed.
When and where: About 7:45 a.m. May 14 near West Yuma Street and South 17th Avenue.
Arrests and charges: No arrests have been made. Once the investigation is complete, it will be submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review, according to Phoenix police.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Tytwin Joshua Tye, 31, found dead in alley from gunshot wounds
What happened: Phoenix police officers responded to a call of a welfare check in an alley and found a man dead from gunshot wounds. Police later identified the man as 31-year-old Tytwin Joshua Tye.
When and where: About 8 a.m. May 14 near 17th Avenue and Sherman Street in Phoenix.
Arrests and charges: No arrests.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Phoenix police: Family of 7 hit by drunken driver; 1 teen dead
What happened: A teenage boy died following a crash with a presumed impaired driver at 30th Street and Greenway Road in north Phoenix, according to police. Four children and two adults were also hospitalized.
Two boys were in critical condition but were later stabilized, according to the Phoenix Fire Department. A boy, a girl, a man and a woman were in stable condition. All of them were expected to survive, police said.
Phoenix police said the crash happened about 8 a.m. after a pickup truck going south on 31st Street did not stop at the red light on Greenway Road and turned right on the eastbound lanes while going west.
While driving the wrong way, the pickup truck crashed into a car occupied by the family of two adults and five children. All of them were taken to a hospital where one of them, a teenage boy, later died.
Police did not release the identity or age of the teenager who died.
Where and when: About 8 a.m. May 14 at 30th Street and Greenway Road in north Phoenix.
Arrests and charges: The driver of the truck stayed at the scene and showed signs of impairment. He was in the process of being booked into jail under manslaughter and DUI charges, police said.
Edgar Peralta, 31, killed, 1 woman hospitalized in south Phoenix shooting
What happened: A man was killed dead and a woman was injured after an early morning shooting in a south Phoenix neighborhood.
Phoenix police officers responded to a shooting. When officers arrived, they located a man, identified as 31-year-old Edgar Peralta, with gunshot wounds. Peralta did not survive his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman was also located with a gunshot wound and she was transported to a hospital with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening.
Detectives responded to investigate the scene. Preliminary information suggests that a fight between multiple people resulted in the shooting that took place.
When and where: About 3 a.m. on May 14 near 16th Street and Ardmore Road in Phoenix.
Arrests and charges: No arrests
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Desiree Rivas, 17, fatally shot while trying to leave party in Phoenix
What happened: A teenager was killed while leaving a house party near 91st Avenue and Toronto Way, police said.
Officers received reports of multiple shots being fired and found a teenage girl with gunshot wounds who was pronounced dead at the location.
The investigation indicated that the teenage girl was leaving a party in the neighborhood when she was shot. Police said they have not made any arrests.
The girl was identified as 17-year-old Desiree Rivas by police.
Where and when: About 12:10 a.m. on May 14 near 91st Avenue and Toronto Way in Phoenix.
Arrests and charges: No arrests.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Read more: 2 teens killed in separate shootings in Phoenix less than 30 minutes apart
Matthew Ballesteros, 17, fatally shot at apartment barbecue in west Phoenix
What happened: A 17-year-old was shot and killed following an apartment barbecue in Phoenix. He was identified by police as Matthew Ballesteros.
Officers were dispatched to an apartment complex where they found Ballesteros suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police said early information suggested that Ballesteros, his shooter and a witness were together at the apartment complex's common area having a barbecue before the shooting happened.
Police said they have not arrested a suspect and were still investigating what led to the shooting.
Where and when: About 11:45 p.m. on May 13 near 39th Avenue and McDowell Road.
Arrests and charges: On May 17, police arrested 24-year-old Alexander Martin Reyes, who faces murder charges.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Read more: Man arrested in connection with shooting that left 17-year-old dead in Phoenix
Hery Almeida-Garcia, 17, shot dead in north Phoenix park by unknown suspect
What happened: Phoenix police are investigating a shooting that left a 17-year-old boy dead by an unknown person while at a park in north Phoenix. Officers were responding a shooting call and when they arrived, they found 17-year-old Hery Almeida-Garcia suffering from a gunshot wound. Almeida-Garcia was transported to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
Detectives with the Phoenix Police Homicide Unit took over the investigation. Authorities believe that early evidence indicates that Almeida-Garcia was with friends who were confronted by an unknown person before the shooting.
The person left the area after shooting Almeida-Garcia and remains outstanding.
Where and when: Around 8:48 p.m. on May 12 near 16th Street and Wescott Drive.
Arrests and charges: No arrests or charges.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Read more: Teenager shot dead at a north Phoenix park by unknown person
Luis Montoya, 36, found dead near 35th and Glendale avenues
What happened: Phoenix police responded to reports of an injured person in the area of North 35th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Montoya with obvious signs of trauma. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Where and when: Around 6:30 a.m. May 11 near North 35th and West Glendale avenues.
Arrests and charges: 47-year-old Seferino Carrillo was arrested on June 9 and booked into jail on several felony charges, including murder.
More information: Anyone with information is urged to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTEGO and provide an anonymous tip, and may be eligible for a cash reward.
2 dead in north Phoenix apartment complex shooting
What happened: Phoenix police responded to reports of shots fired at a Phoenix apartment complex. Upon arrival, police found an unidentified man and woman with gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary information suggests the man shot the woman before turning the gun on himself, according to police. An investigation into the incident, as well as the pair's relationship, was ongoing.
Where and when: Just after 7:20 p.m. on May 11 near North Valley Parkway and Dove Valley Road in north Phoenix.
Arrests and charges: No arrests or suspects were being sought.
Aaliyah Anderson, 18, killed by stepfather in Goodyear murder-suicide
What happened: According to Goodyear police, officers responded to a medical call at the home. Upon arrival, police found two people, identified as 41-year-old John Castro and 18-year-old Aaliyah Anderson, dead inside the house with "apparent gunshot wounds." Police said evidence from the scene, as well as the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's autopsy, indicate that Castro, Anderson's stepfather, shot her before committing suicide. The motive for the incident remained under investigation.
Where and when: Around 4:30 p.m. May 10 near Elwood Street and Estrella Parkway.
Arrests and charges: No arrests yet.
Walter Morman IV, 24, shot near 19th, Northern avenues in Phoenix
What happened: Phoenix police were conducting a welfare check when they found a man with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are investigating the death as a homicide.
Where and when: At about 5:30 a.m. May 9 near 19th Avenue and Butler Drive.
Arrests and charges: No arrests yet.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call into Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Aloysius Mamattah, 28, dies from gunshot in Phoenix
What happened: Phoenix police were called to investigate reports of an injured person. They found a man with a gunshot wound. Police said he died at the scene.
Where and when: At about 3 a.m. May 9 near 27th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
Arrests or charges: No arrests yet.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call into Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Daniel Cassidy, 66, found with 'obvious signs of trauma'
What happened: Police received a call about "unknown trouble" from a caller who said they found an unresponsive man with injuries. Officers who responded found a man with "obvious signs of trauma," according to Phoenix police. He was pronounced dead on scene.
Where and when: Just before 5:30 a.m. May 7 in the area of 32nd Street and Cactus Road.
Arrests and charges: No arrests yet.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call into Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Jeremiah Aviles, 18, dies in Mesa weeks away from his graduation
What happened: Police said they responded to a shooting call and found Jeremiah Aviles dead inside a Mesa house. Aviles was a senior set to graduate in a few weeks at Red Mountain High School in Mesa, where he was part of the football team.
When and where: Just before 2 a.m. on May 6 near Lindsay Road and University Drive in Mesa.
Arrests: Peter “PJ” Clabron III, 18, has been charged with manslaughter and discharging a firearm within city limits, suggesting the fatal shooting might not have been intentional.
Read more: Here's what we know about the killing of Mesa Red Mountain senior Jeremiah Aviles
Errol Morgan, 30, stabbed to death in Phoenix
What happened: Phoenix police responded to calls about a stabbing. When officers got to the scene, they found an adult man with a stab wound. Police said fire personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene.
Detectives took over the investigation and learned that the man who was stabbed and a suspect were in a fight with edged weapons before the stabbing. Police said the suspect left the area prior to police arriving and is believed to have cut himself.
Where and when: At about 10:19 a.m. May 3 near 48th and Washington streets in Phoenix.
Arrests and charges: An unidentified man was detained and provided self-defense statements. He was released from custody and charges were submitted for review to the Maricopa County Attorney's office.
More information: If anyone has information that can lead to an arrest in this case, they are asked to call into Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Tanner Lewis, 18, dies from gunshot wound in Mesa
What happened: Police said they responded to a shooting call and found Tanner Lewis, 18, with a gunshot wound to his head. He was taken to a hospital where he later died, police said.
After investigating, police said they learned four people entered the house where Lewis was and a confrontation broke out. Police believe a 17-year-old pulled out a gun during the fight and shot Lewis. The people who had come into the house then fled and went to a residence in Mesa.
When and where: At about 5 p.m. April 30 near 16th Avenue and Warner Drive in Apache Junction.
Arrests: A 17-year-old, who was unidentified because he is a minor, was arrested and booked into jail.
More information: Apache Junction police ask anyone with information to call the department at 480-982-8260.
Katherine Holmberg, 38, and unborn child killed by husband in murder-suicide
What happened: Chandler Police Department responded to a call of an uncooperative intoxicated man, who they couldn't locate. But after a while, they received information about a woman who was considered in danger. Officers surrounded an apartment complex when Kevin Holmberg, 41, walked out of the residence and fatally shot himself. Officers then went inside the residence and found a pregnant Katherine Holmberg dead from a gunshot wound inflicted by her husband.
When and where: After 2 a.m. on May 31, 2023 at 3900 Block of West Monterey Street in Chandler
Arrests: No arrests, suspect fatally shot himself
More information: Sergeant Emma Huenneke at 480-782-4108.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix-area homicides in May 2023: What we know
