Nearly three months after a late-night confrontation turned deadly at a north Phoenix Circle K, police say they have a suspect in custody. Phoenix officers on Tuesday arrested 42-year-old Norman Sanders in connection with the November shooting that killed 45-year-old Kevin Mitchell, a case that had prompted public appeals for tips at the time.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Sanders was taken into custody Tuesday in the homicide investigation after an argument at the Circle K near 27th Avenue and Butler. The outlet reported that formal charges and booking details were not immediately available in its video update, and said investigators are still working leads in the case.
What happened in November
The shooting unfolded in mid-November when officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 27th Avenue corridor and found Mitchell with at least one gunshot wound. He later died at a hospital, as reported by ABC15. Hoodline previously covered the killing as part of a broader roundup of north Phoenix violence in a piece titled "Two Fatal Shootings Strike North Phoenix," noting that police at the time were asking the public for tips through Silent Witness.
Back then, investigators urged anyone with information to contact Silent Witness to help generate leads in the case.
Investigation and next steps
Phoenix homicide detectives are keeping the investigation open, and FOX 10 Phoenix reported that investigators continue to follow leads as they work the file. Officials have not released additional case documents publicly, and detectives say they are still interviewing witnesses and canvassing the area.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation is encouraged to contact Silent Witness so detectives can pursue new tips.
Legal process ahead
An arrest is a significant step in a homicide probe, but it is not a conviction. If prosecutors decide to file charges, the case will move into the court system, beginning with an arraignment. At this stage, prosecutors typically review the homicide unit’s evidence before bringing formal counts.
Hoodline will update this story when charging information or court records become publicly available.
