PHOENIX, AZ — A 21-year-old man accused of shooting and killing an off-duty Tempe Fire captain last year has been found guilty of second degree murder.
In the matter of State v Hezron Parks, the Jury has found the defendant guilty of second degree murder in the death of Kyle Brayer.
— MC Superior Court (@courtpio) July 11, 2019
Results on additional charges will follow in a later tweet.
The shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. February 4, 2018 in the area of Civic Center Plaza and Stetson Drive, east of the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall.
Police say 34-year-old Kyle Brayer was riding on the back of a golf cart with several others, headed southbound on Civic Center Plaza near Stetson.
The suspect, Hezron Parks, was allegedly driving a red Scion coupe and began bumping the golf cart.
When Brayer exited the cart to approach the driver, he was shot in the head. Brayer, an off-duty Tempe Fire captain, died from his injuries.
Police say Parks fled the scene, hitting several other cars. One witness told ABC15 that his vehicle was clipped by what he believes to be the suspect's vehicle.
"I heard the shot, and I knew it was a gunshot," the witness said. "After that, I was kind of looking around to see if I could see anything."
RELATED: Woman recalls witnessing deadly shooting of Tempe fire captain
Brayer's assignment was at Tempe Fire Station 6, 655 S. Ash, as a captain for Ladder 276 and the technical rescue team.
Brayer began his career with Tempe Fire Medical Rescue after serving in the United States Marine Corps. One highlight of his career was his involvement in launching Tempe's Veterans Telemedicine Program in 2016.
Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department chief Greg Ruiz released the following statement after the verdict was announced:
"This has been a difficult time for Captain Paramedic Kyle Brayer’s family, friends and brothers and sisters in the fire service. Today, a guilty verdict of second-degree murder has been handed down in his death. We respect the judicial process and appreciate all those who brought the trial to this resolution. We still grieve for Kyle but hope to find peace through our memories of him and our continued support of his family. While we know the verdict will not bring Kyle back, we feel justice has been served."
