Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and several other City Council colleagues are asking for the public’s help in solving several murders in west Phoenix.
Police are investigating four recent homicides in the Maryvale area that have gone unsolved. Officials are continuing to determine a motive for the crimes. If you believe you have any information regarding the homicides you are urged to call 480-WITNESS. The reward is now up to $11,000.
The majority of the shootings happened earlier this month, though police said one that is connected happened in April.
- Police have no suspect information in the shooting of 21-year-old Diego Verdugo-Sanchez, who was killed April 1 by a suspect who shot at him from inside a vehicle near 55th and Campbell avenues.
- Horacio De Jesus Pena was shot and killed on June 3 near 67th Avenue and Thomas Road after returning home from work. No suspect information is known.
- Detectives are also looking for information in the murder of Manuel Garcia near 67th Avenue and McDowell Road. The 19-year-old was in his car when another vehicle approached and, after a brief conversation, the suspect opened fire.
- The fourth shooting left 31-year-old Angela Linner and 12-year-old Maleah Ellis dead in their car near 63rd Avenue and McDowell Road. A third victim remains in critical condition. Police said witness reported seeing a suspect leaving the area in a light-colored sedan. He is described as a Hispanic male, 30 to 35 years old, medium build, wearing red shorts and a white t-shirt, armed with a semi-automatic gun.
Phoenix police said detectives have identified enough similarities between the incidents to believe the same suspect/suspects are responsible.
RELATED: ABC15 rides with Phoenix police in Maryvale
“Our Maryvale is home to hardworking people and families who deserve to live in a safe and peaceful environment,” said Council Member Daniel Valenzuela. “We are committed to working with neighborhood and community members, business leaders and the Phoenix Police Department to collectively find a solution."
See a map of the shooting locations below.
