Two shootings have rocked north Phoenix this past weekend, resulting in the deaths of two men and prompting police investigations. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, a man was found shot dead just before 2 a.m. on Saturday morning near North 19th Drive. He suffered at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have since identified 42-year-old Craig Poorthunder as the alleged shooter, arresting and charging him with murder.
On Friday evening, police were called to 27th Avenue and Alice Avenue after reports of gunfire around 6 p.m. They found 45-year-old Kevin Mitchell with gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital but did not survive. Homicide detectives are investigating, gathering evidence and talking to witnesses. So far, police have not released any information about a suspect or what led to the shooting, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
This spate of gun violence has left the local community on edge, and information is scarce as both investigations are ongoing. As reported by ABC 15, anyone with details on the case involving Kevin Mitchell is encouraged to contact Silent Witness. Tips can be shared anonymously, and rewards are available for those that lead to an arrest.
While the identity of the victim in the North 19th Drive shooting has not been released, the arrest of Poorthunder provides at least one lead into solving these tragic events. The community is now left waiting for further updates from the Phoenix Police Department as they try, to piece together the events of this violent weekend. In the meantime, the areas where the shootings took place were closed off for several hours as the investigations commenced. More details are expected as the investigations progress, as per ABC15.
