A fatal encounter at a Mesa apartment complex has led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man accused of second-degree murder. On the evening of January 1, Mesa Police were called to the scene near Alma School Road and Southern Avenue, where they discovered 35-year-old Richard Garcia suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, this tragedy was reported by both ABC15 and FOX10 Phoenix.
Despite prompt life-saving efforts by officers and subsequent care from Mesa Fire and Medical crews Richard Garcia was taken to a hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries, according to ABC15, the incident which occurred just before 9 p.m., unfolded after a verbal dispute between the victim and the suspected shooter, who were quickly identified as cousins, had escalated the suspect, Robert Garcia, was then taken into custody.
In the aftermath of the flare-up that turned fatal, Robert Garcia now faces charges of second-degree murder. Although details surrounding the circumstances that led up the argument and shooting are still sparse, the family and community are grappling with the wrenching reality of a life violently uprooted and the ripple effects will undoubtedly be felt long after the police tape has been peeled away, investigators continue their work to piece together the narrative of that night's events.
