An Arizona family is left grappling with loss and seeking justice after 44-year-old Erik Lagunas was discovered deceased inside his crashed van in Phoenix. Responding to a call of shots fired around 2 p.m. on February 5 near 23rd and Fillmore Streets, Phoenix police encountered a chaotic scene where a van had collided with an electrical pole, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. The presence of live power lines initially prevented officers from accessing the vehicle and its driver.
Utility crews worked to quickly shut down the electricity, allowing first responders to eventually reach Lagunas. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators found several shell casings nearby, suggesting gunfire was involved. A man believed to be connected to the shooting was detained but has since been released, police said in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
The local community faced disruptions as power was cut off for hours during the investigation but has been restored. Lagunas' death has left his family in turmoil, with his daughter Maritza Alarcon describing their pain in a heartfelt plea for accountability. "He didn't deserve any of this to happen to him," Alarcon told FOX 10 Phoenix. "You have no idea what you've done to all of us. We just want justice. They just left him there all by himself, like he was nobody, and he was everything to all of us."
Lagunas was not only a victim of a possible shooting, but he was also a dedicated family man, acting as the sole provider. His daughter echoed her family's sentiments hoping to, not only heal from their loss but also, to apprehend whoever is responsible for her father’s untimely demise. Alarcon's words underscored the profound vacuum his death has created within their lives, as she told FOX 10 Phoenix, "He just lived for us. He lives for my mom, and he lives for his mom and his family. We just want him home, and he's never coming back."
The case is still open and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS for English speakers or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish speakers, providing tips that could ultimately help bring closure to the bereaved family.
