The Phoenix police are on the hunt for a suspect in a brutal New Year's Day homicide and are reaching out to the public for assistance. Marco Lugo, Jr., 43, was found dead from severe injuries on a south Phoenix roadway in the early hours of January 1. According to ABC15, the authorities were alerted to the scene at the intersection of 7th Street and Broadway Road just after 2 a.m.
Initial findings by the police posited that Lugo was hit by a vehicle after already lying in the street. However, a closer examination of surveillance footage indicates that he was subjected to a beating prior to being struck by a car. The Silent Witness program now offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information that could lead to an arrest in the case. The source of this information was a report by AZFamily, which states that the surveillance video captured a suspect assaulting Lugo with kicks and punches a short time before he was fatally hit by a the vehicle.
The video that may provide key evidence in solving this case has been made available to the public, although it contains graphic content. Police are actively seeking any leads that could help identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the vicious attack on Lugo. No further details about the suspect have been released as of yet.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the tragic incident, or who recognizes the person in the surveillance footage, to come forward and contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Spanish speakers can call 480-TESTIGO, and tips can also be submitted online at silentwitness.org. In doing so, community members could play a critical role in providing justice for Marco Lugo, Jr. and his family.
