On April 19, Apolinar Altamirano, a 39-year-old inmate who shot and killed a Mesa convenience store clerk in 2015, died while serving his prison sentence. The information, confirmed by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, was reported without disclosing the cause of death, which remains under investigation by the Medical Examiner's Office. Altamirano's death, reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, came after he was sentenced in August 2022 to 38 years for the murder of Grant Ronnebeck, the 21-year-old store clerk.
While awaiting deportation on a burglary conviction, Altamirano, who was illegally in the country, sparked intense debate on immigration and legal proceedings. Initially facing a possible death penalty, his intellectual disability led to this option being ruled out by courts, eventually settling for a plea deal on second-degree murder among other charges as detailed by azfamily.com. The case drew national attention because of Altamirano's undocumented status and the circumstances surrounding the shooting and his subsequent arrest.
The victim's brother, Tyler Ronnebeck, shared his response to Altamirano's death on social media, saying, "While this news brings a measure of closure to a painful chapter, it does not change the reality of our loss. Grant is missed deeply every day. Our commitment remains to honor his life, protect his legacy, and continue advocating for justice and accountability." He further highlighted that while Grant's own loss is immutable, the family extends their prayers to Altamirano's family, recognizing they too face a difficult road and are now themselves touched by tragedy. Tyler's poignant words, obtained by azfamily.com, reflect a complex tapestry of grief and resolve.
The Arizona Department of Corrections has stated all inmate deaths are investigated thoroughly. They are waiting for results from the medical examiner's office to determine the cause of Altamirano's death, as per a statement released by the department. The family's advocacy for justice and accountability continues in honor of Grant's memory just as obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix in a statement from Tyler Ronnebeck.
