A tragic incident occurred in south Phoenix on Wednesday night when a teenager was killed in a shootout. According to information provided by the Phoenix Police Department, the incident involved two vehicles and took place around 7:30 p.m. near 7th and Southern Avenues. The gunfire exchange resulted in the death of a 16-year-old girl and injuries to a man and a woman, who were subsequently transported to the hospital.
The deceased teenager has been identified as Yadira Duarte Rodriguez. The FOX 10 Phoenix reported that the police found Rodriguez with gunshot wounds, and she was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. The two other individuals, a man and a woman, are expected to recover from their injuries.
As the investigation unfolds, the police are piecing together the events that led to the shooting. According to a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, "Preliminary information suggests the man and the woman arrived at the apartment complex in a vehicle to meet Rodriguez. Rodriguez got into their vehicle where she pulled out a firearm and attempted to rob them. The woman then fought with Rodriguez over the firearm. Sometime during the struggle, the man gained access to a firearm and shot Rodriguez. During the shooting, both the man and the woman were struck with gunfire. They pulled Rodriguez from the vehicle and drove off."
Following their release from the hospital, both the man and woman were interviewed by detectives and released after consultations with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. A final decision regarding charges will be made once the investigation is complete. Meanwhile, in a separate but possibly related shooting reported by AZ Family, another woman was killed and two others were injured during an exchange of gunfire that involved people in two cars. The exact circumstances leading up to these violent events have not been clarified yet, and Alta Vista Road remained closed as police continued with their inquiries.
Officials urge anyone who might have information pertinent to this case to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigations. Those with photos or videos regarding the incident are encouraged to submit them to the news outlets, emphasizing the gravity of public involvement in shedding light on these harrowing acts of violence.
