Tempe Police Department has made additional arrests in the grisly shooting death of a 17-year-old boy last month, near the ASU campus. 18-year-olds Marlon Owens Jr. and Jabriean Olin Perry are the latest suspects facing charges, including first-degree murder and endangerment. Their arrests follow the earlier apprehension of 19-year-old Edwin Edward Denis, who was detained shortly after the late July incident.
Details from the tragic event paint a scene of violence and rivalry. Court documents cited by FOX 10 Phoenix allege the suspects "followed [the victim], confirmed his identity, and began firing multiple firearms at [the victim], knowing that their conduct would cause [the victim's] death." The investigation hints at a larger narrative, one involving gang disputes and territoriality, with links to the '4200 Bloods,' a known street gang from Phoenix.
The night of July 25, after responding officers found the young victim with gunshot wounds, more than 20 firearm cartridges were recovered from the crime scene, as reported by 12 News. The victim's mother and brother arrived later at the scene, where the mother inadvertently gathered potential evidence from overheard conversations suggesting gang involvement.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, after being read his Miranda rights, Owens disclosed that the victim was targeted for being from a rival gang. Meanwhile, Perry chose to request an attorney post-Miranda. Both suspects now face a cash-only bond set at $1 million and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on August 21. The investigation continues.
