A 49-year-old Phoenix woman is facing a murder charge after police say community tips helped crack a deadly stabbing near downtown's Hance Park that left a 29-year-old man dead in mid-December.
The victim, identified as 29-year-old Jaquail Dillard, was found with stab wounds near the park and was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives later zeroed in on a suspect who was already incarcerated on an unrelated case.
According to AZFamily, detectives questioned 49-year-old Lupe Teresa Perez and booked her on a count of second-degree murder, along with drug and probation violation charges. Police told the outlet that Perez admitted during an interview that she stabbed Dillard. Investigators have not released any information about a possible motive.
The case began on Dec. 15, when officers were called shortly after 10 p.m. to the area near Margaret T. Hance Park along Central Avenue, just south of McDowell Road, where they found Dillard, according to City of Phoenix media advisories. That night's summary notes a homicide investigation at 1200 N. Central Ave. Detectives later put out a call for witnesses and video, asking anyone who saw or recorded anything near the park to come forward.
Phoenix police say the public responded. Multiple tips came in after officers requested assistance, and those leads helped narrow the search for the suspect, as reported by AZFamily. Perez was already in jail on a separate matter when detectives interviewed her. What exactly led up to the confrontation that ended in Dillard's death is still unclear.
Charges and what comes next
Perez was booked into jail on second-degree murder, along with related drug and probation violation counts. Prosecutors with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office will decide on formal charges and future court dates as the case moves forward.
For now, Perez remains a suspect, not a convicted killer. The charges outlined by police must still be tested in court, where prosecutors will have to prove their case.
How to share tips with investigators
Phoenix police are still asking for help from anyone who might have seen something near Hance Park the night of Dec. 15. People with information, photos or video can contact Crime Stop or use the department's online tip tools to share evidence.
The department's public pages explain how to report information or remain anonymous. Investigators say earlier community tips played a key role in tracking down a suspect and are urging anyone with additional details to step up and get in touch.
