A tragic family confrontation in north Phoenix has resulted in the death of a man and the injury of a teenage boy. Phoenix Police responded to a distressing scene near 19th Street and Bell Road around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, as reported by 12 News. When officers arrived, they discovered a man with a fatal gunshot wound lying in the roadway, and his teen brother shot next to the nearby house.
Further details from the Phoenix Police Department indicate that the situation unfolded as a result of a family argument which tragically escalated. According to a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, the suspect involved is 28-year-old Milad Rafie, who is accused of shooting his brother and stepfather, 59-year-old Najbulla Rafie, who died at the scene. The teenage boy was promptly taken to the hospital, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Reports from witnesses helped police in piecing together the evening's violent events. "Preliminary information suggests Milad got into an argument with family members inside their home," said Sgt. Phil Krynsky to FOX 10 Phoenix. "The argument escalated to the point where Milad pulled out a firearm and shot his teenage brother. Milad then went outside and shot his stepfather, Najbulla Rafie." After initially fleeing the scene, Milad returned on foot and surrendered to the authorities.
Milad Rafie is now behind bars, having been arrested and booked into jail. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, while detectives continue their meticulous work to process evidence and get to the bottom of this family tragedy. Police have assured that the investigation remains active, as they work to ascertain all the relevant details of the case. "The investigation remains active as detectives continue to process evidence," reiterated Krynsky in reports by FOX 10 Phoenix.
