PHOENIX — Four men have been arrested in connection to what police describe as a "brutal killing" of a 30-year-old man in Phoenix last month.
The body of 30-year-old Bernardo Pantaleon was found at a park near 7th and Peoria avenues on November 26.
On Sunday, police announced that three men — 21-year-old Leonardo Santiago, 21-year-old Manuel Carrasco Calderon, and 20-year-old Jose Rodriguez — were arrested in connection to Pantaleon's murder.
Police say a fourth man, identified as 21-year-old Christopher Ibarra, was arrested in connection with Pantaleon's murder on Wednesday.
Police stated on November 26 that Pantaleon was found with multiple gunshot wounds and said Sunday that he had suffered from "significant bodily trauma."
According to police documents, the victim’s body had been “mutilated" with significant injuries by a sharp object.
According to documents, the suspects admitted to killing the victim and returning to the scene an hour later to mutilate the body.
Police say one of the suspects “admitted he killed the victim” due to an interaction “that made him uncomfortable.”
Police say photos were shared from the suspect’s social media accounts showing the victim’s body. A message thread was also found showing intent to rob and kill the victim, along with gang references and comments about the victim’s sexuality.
ABC15 spoke with Pantaleon's cousin, who did not want to be identified. She said Phoenix police did not allow the family to see his body due to the "brutal killing".
"All [police] could tell me is, there’s no way. We don’t want you to remember him like that. There’s no way we can allow you guys to see it. We don’t have the heart to, it’s just horrific,” she said.
Pantelon's family has created an online fundraiser to help with expenses.
”Maybe they just hated [that] he was so brave to be himself. He was not scared to show who he was,” she added.
All four men were arrested on charges including first-degree murder, crimes against a dead person, and assisting a street gang.
