PHOENIX — A man is dead after being found with stab wounds outside of a Phoenix QuikTrip convenience store just days after a deadly shooting at the same location.
The investigation was centered around the store near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road and started around 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Phoenix police say one injured person was found at the scene. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Ryan Festa, was taken to a hospital where he later died.
During a preliminary investigation, detectives believe Festa was stabbed at a bus stop and then walked to the convenience store for help.
No suspects have been identified and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness.
A QuikTrip spokesperson sent a statement to ABC15 saying the stabbing happened at another location, but employees and customers attempted to help the injured person.
The full statement reads: “On Sunday night, an individual walked inside the QuikTrip location near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road seeking help for a stab wound suffered somewhere other than store property. While the individual’s injuries were fatal, we are grateful to the QuikTrip employees and customers who immediately provided assistance while waiting for first responders to arrive. As always, we appreciate the swift response of the Phoenix Police Department and are working closely to assist in the investigation of this incident.”
Councilwoman Laura Pastor, District 4, provided the following statement to ABC15 regarding the incident:
“My heart aches for the victim of a senseless stabbing at a bus stop that took the life of a person experiencing homelessness. I am grateful for the citizens who jumped in to try to save his life. This shows me that even in tumultuous political times, we are still willing to help those around us without (judgment). The attack, happening along the 27th Avenue Corridor, is even more proof that we must extend our Real Time Operating Centers the full length of 27th Ave., and continue to support and fund public safety. Recently, Republican-led legislation at the State of Arizona implemented a flat tax and cut residential rental tax, which saves the average Phoenix renter less than $10 a week but (drastically) reduces revenue by a combined $235 million through Fiscal Year 25-26 a portion of which impacts public safety. If you’re looking to where funding for public safety was lost and crime increased, look no further than 1700 West Washington.”
This is the second deadly incident at this location within three days.
On Friday, a man was shot and killed there during what police believe was a botched robbery attempt. Two men were taken into custody in connection to the shooting.
See Friday's shooting coverage in the video player below:
