Phoenix police say a months-long homicide investigation has finally paid off, with detectives arresting a 43-year-old man they believe is tied to a deadly November 2025 shooting near Interstate 17 that left a 45-year-old man dead.
Authorities identified the victim as 45-year-old Kevin Mitchell, who was shot in west Phoenix on Nov. 14, 2025, and later died at a hospital. The suspect, identified by police as Norman Sanders, was taken into custody this week and booked on multiple counts, including second-degree murder, a weapons charge and a probation violation. Detectives say the arrest caps off a lengthy probe into the killing.
Homicide detectives with the Phoenix Police Department arrested Sanders on Monday, according to reporting by 12 News. Investigators say the break came after follow-up leads and a deep dive into the evidence that gave them probable cause. Booking records show Sanders was placed into custody at the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office jail on the listed charges.
What Police Say About The November Shooting
Officers were called around 6 p.m. on Nov. 14 to reports of a shooting near 27th Avenue and Alice Avenue, just south of Dunlap Avenue and I-17, where they found Mitchell suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital and later died, according to Arizona's Family.
In the days and weeks after the killing, Silent Witness and local outlets circulated surveillance images and pleaded for tips, hoping someone in the community had seen something. Authorities said rewards were put on the table for information as detectives kept working the case.
Charges And Next Steps
Police say Sanders faces second-degree murder, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person and a probation-violation charge, according to 12 News. He has been booked into the Maricopa County jail, and the case is now with prosecutors to determine formal charges. Officials did not immediately release an arraignment date.
Why Now: Months Of Detective Work
Police credit the arrest to a sustained push by homicide detectives who, according to local reports, pored over video, conducted multiple witness interviews and chased down leads. Silent Witness released photos of possible suspects and publicized a homicide reward in the case, as reported by KOLD. Investigators say they are still interested in hearing from anyone who might have additional information.
Anyone with information about the Nov. 14 shooting is asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO, or submit a tip online at Silent Witness, the organization's website notes. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may be eligible for a reward.
