Phoenix police say they have identified and booked a suspect in the death of a man whose body was found behind a west Phoenix apartment complex in November 2024, turning a grim discovery by the dumpsters into a full-blown homicide case. Detectives named the suspect as Raymond Drinkhouse, who has been booked into custody on a murder charge, according to police. The victim was identified as Mark Anthony Montano, whose body was discovered near community dumpsters at the complex on Nov. 12, 2024. Investigators have assumed control of the case and say the probe remains active as they continue to collect evidence.
Police confirmed the identification and booking of Drinkhouse on Wednesday, as reported by KTAR News. According to that report, investigators moved to arrest and book Drinkhouse on one count of murder while emphasizing that the investigation is still underway.
Officers were first called out on the morning of Nov. 12, 2024, after a witness found Montano’s body behind the apartment complex. ABC15’s roundup of 2024 homicides places the scene near Indian School Road and 51st Avenue. When the death was initially reported, officers treated it as a general death investigation before homicide detectives took over. The case is also listed on Silent Witness’s site, which notes the apartment-complex location and requests tips from the public.
Detectives say the arrest came from follow-up work
Investigators told reporters they built the case through follow-up work, developing leads and chasing down tips and evidence that eventually pointed them toward Drinkhouse, prompting the booking, according to KTAR News. Police declined to spell out the specifics of that evidence in the immediate aftermath of the arrest, saying only that detectives are still interviewing witnesses and processing new information.
Legal status and what happens next
Drinkhouse has been booked on one count of murder, meaning he is accused, not convicted, and his case will move through the court system like any other felony matter. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will review the police investigation and decide on formal charges and upcoming court dates. Phoenix police said they plan to release additional details as they become available.
How the public can help
Silent Witness lists the Montano case and asks anyone with information to submit tips through its website. The group, working with police, often offers anonymity and rewards for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Phoenix police or submit an anonymous tip to Silent Witness.
