PHOENIX — In episode 4 of Arizona's Coldest Cases, we highlight the one-year anniversary of when former Camelback High School track coach David Denogean was shot and killed.
The shooter ran up to him, seemingly at random, while he was walking his dog near 12th Street and Maryland Avenue. Since that dreadful day of Nov. 25, 2022, there have been no arrests. The family continues to demand answers from the Phoenix Police Department as they told us they have not received any updates on the case.
"Every day is a new day, and a struggle for Frank and I," said Judy Denogean, David's mother.
The Denogean family has faced unimaginable pain over the past year following David's murder. But that same year was also filled with countless tributes and memorials, highlighting the legacy behind his name.
"I wanted his name to be present. I wanted everyone who saw it to remember he was a part of this team," said Tori Anderson, the head track and cross-country coach at Camelback High School.
David, a former Camelback track-and-field coach, is remembered for impacting countless lives through what he taught beyond his role.
"He was like a father to us. He was like a brother that we never had, you know, he just meant a lot to us," said one of David's former students.
"He made us have the passion to do this sport and everything… it was more than this sport, it was more like a family whenever he was around," said another student.
That overwhelming power of love is what continues fueling David's family to keep searching for answers surrounding his murder.
"It's hard not to be angry or, 'why did this happen?' Especially to David, because if this person knew David, this wouldn't have happened," said Judy.
David's parents saw him for the last time on Thanksgiving. He spent the next day with his girlfriend Jordan and after getting back home, he decided to take his dog, Evie, for an evening walk.
"The dog came back by herself without her collar, without her leash. So Jordan thought it was very strange. The dog was back and the door was closed and she thought, 'Where's David?'"
Silent Witness released a surveillance video months later, showing the sudden attack. David can be seen walking his dog, when all of a sudden, a man runs up, pointing a gun.
"How do you get justice for something like that? And, our hope is just to bring this person in so that he doesn't hurt somebody else," said Frank 'Coach D' Denogean, David's father.
The scene unfolded just steps away from a restaurant and bar. The gunman was seen by witnesses running off. A year later, he has still not been found and since the video was released, there have been no other updates.
"If there's anything we're very disappointed with... it is the transparency. The lack of communication from all their departments. I mean, I know that the police officers and investigators are very busy. We respect that. We know that David's not the only person out there so, there's so much that they have to do. They're undermanned but as a taxpayer and as a victim, I think, we expect more," said Frank.
ABC15 asked Phoenix PD about that several times over the past year. We've been told that detectives have communicated with the family on several occasions. Although the family reiterated to us, that's not the case. We've also submitted multiple requests for interviews, which have all been denied. Most recently we were told, "...at this time no one from the homicide unit is available to go over this case."
The family is filling their time now giving back to others. They even started a Christmas toy drive last year in David's honor. That is one of many events they plan to continue as a way to always keep him in their hearts.
The family has started a GoFundMe account which they say will go toward increasing the reward for information on who killed David.
On the anniversary of David's death, family and friends walked the same route David did with his dog before he was shot. The family prayed and shared stories of his generosity, humor and leadership. His brother, Daniel said they plan to do this every year to keep his memory alive.
Watch this full episode of Arizona's Coldest Cases in the player below:
