Valley family asking for public's help after son shot, killed

GLENDALE, AZ — A Valley family is asking for help identifying a vehicle seen leaving a homicide scene last week.

Officers say 25-year-old Tyler Mead was found deceased in a front yard near 75th Avenue and Bethany Home Road on April 17, just ten days before his 26th birthday.

Police say a suspect shot Mead before running to a waiting vehicle. Officers say the suspect and another man ran to a white Dodge Journey waiting for them at the end of the street.

Authorities have not released any information about a motive. Tyler's family tells ABC15, they do not know anyone who would want to harm Tyler, and believe he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“He always just kept me happy,” said Brandon Mead, Tyler’s older brother. “Tyler always supported me.” “Him and I were absolutely best friends,” said Jasmine Pettit, Tyler’s Mom.

“All I know is that two people walked up,” said Pettit. One of the two men fired shots. “[Tyler] was hit once through the back of the neck,” said Petite.

By the time Pettit woke up and ran outside, her daughter was already calling Tyler's phone and tracking the ringing cell to the neighbor’s alley wall, which was riddled with bullet holes.

“I saw her, the look on her face and the sound of her voice screaming, ‘Tyler!' Pettit recalled. “And I just screamed, ‘call 911!’ And I just jumped onto the ground and grabbed my son, and I just held him. That's all I could do,” she said.

Detectives know someone in community knows the men responsible. “They obviously went with the intent on killing somebody, to have a car parked at the end of the street and walk up,” said Pettit.

Tyler’s relatives are now praying for closure. “Tyler didn't deserve this, and people need to say something if they know something,” said Brandon.

Anyone with information about the vehicle's location is asked to contact Glendale police or Silent Witness.

If you would like to help, the family has a GoFundMe page to raise money for Tyler’s funeral expenses.