Tempe authorities have detained a man suspected of the recent fatal shooting and subsequent arson at a local apartment complex. According to a press release by the Tempe Police Department, 39-year-old Blaine Blystone was arrested for the September 26 violence that left one man dead and an apartment ablaze at 800 E. Curry Road.
The situation began to unfold just after 3 p.m., when 38-year-old Gustavo Gonzales was preparing to drive away from the complex. Fired from his apartment, Blystone allegedly shot several rounds into Gonzales' car. After neighbors reported to 911 the sound of gunfire and the sight of the victim incapacitated inside his vehicle, responding officers discovered Gonzales severely wounded. He was transported to a nearby hospital, only to be declared deceased later on.
Continuing their investigation, police say that Blystone then set fire to his own apartment before shooting himself in the stomach. Exiting through his garage, officers intercepted him, at which time Blystone claimed he was a victim himself, attacked by person or persons unknown. However, gathered evidence at the scene corroborated his involvement in both the fatal shooting and the arson.
Once he underwent surgery and recovered sufficiently, Blystone admitted to detectives overseeing the case, saying the attack was intentional, although expressing that he did not personally know the victim. Following his release from the medical facility on October 5, Blystone faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder—a Class 1 felony—and arson—a Class 2 felony, among other allegations related to the firearm discharge within a nonresidential structure and unlawful discharge.
The Tempe Police Department has expressed its appreciation for the community's assistance during the incident, highlighting the pivotal role of the residents who promptly dialed 911 and contributed to the investigation. Thanks to the prompt and unified efforts of the local police, fire departments, and detectives, the threatening situation was managed and brought to a resolution without further harm.
