A road-rage confrontation at a Chandler red light has turned into a homicide investigation for a local family, after a 21-year-old motorcyclist was taken off life support Saturday night. Police say the rider, identified by relatives as Dezjon Hamilton, was intentionally run over during the clash and left brain-dead. Loved ones describe the loss as devastating. A 29-year-old driver is under arrest, and officers say two children were in his SUV when the crash happened.
Police: Charges and Alleged Impairment
Court documents reviewed by Arizona's Family state the confrontation started at a red light when the motorcyclist allegedly "excessively revved" his engine while stopped in front of the suspect's SUV. Prosecutors arrested 29-year-old Gustavo Adolfo Gavia Elias on attempted second-degree murder and two counts of reckless child abuse, noting that two children were reportedly inside his vehicle. A judge set a $500,000 cash-only appearance bond.
According to the same court paperwork, investigators say Elias admitted to drinking about a dozen beers and using cocaine before getting behind the wheel. A breath test reportedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.158, nearly twice the legal limit.
Family Grieves and Shares Pregnancy News
The Hamilton family says Dezjon and his girlfriend were expecting their first child and describe him as a joyful presence who lit up family gatherings. As reported by FOX5, his sister Layla Hamilton spoke about the shock of losing her brother so suddenly, saying, "No one really teaches you how to grieve your own brother, especially your older brother."
A GoFundMe page created to help cover medical and funeral expenses has drawn donations and messages from community members, including fellow riders who say they see themselves in Hamilton’s final ride.
What Court Documents Say Happened on the Road
According to Arizona's Family, witnesses told investigators that after the motorcycle allegedly struck and broke the SUV’s side mirror, the SUV followed the bike along Ray Road toward Alma School Road. Court documents say the SUV then abruptly turned and hit the rider.
Neighbors rushed out and found Hamilton motionless in the street. The court file describes a “catastrophic cervical injury,” and notes that he was placed on life support. One witness reportedly shouted at the driver, “You did this. This is your fault,” and records say Elias replied, “I know this is my fault.”
Riders Rally and Plead for Safer Driving
Local motorcyclists gathered in Chandler in the days after the crash to support the Hamilton family and to send a pointed message about the risks of road-rage incidents. Some riders who showed up said this is exactly the kind of encounter they fear every time they pull up next to an angry driver.
Dezjon’s father, Antwone Hamilton, who taught his son how to ride, urged drivers to slow down and “share the road,” adding that shaving a few seconds off a commute is never worth a life. FOX5 reported on the gathering and the emotional response from the riding community.
Legal Next Steps
Elias faces multiple felony charges that prosecutors are moving forward on while investigators continue reviewing the case and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office evaluates the full court record. Authorities have highlighted the presence of children in the SUV and the suspect’s reported impairment as key factors that could carry significant weight if the case reaches trial.
The case remains active, and no trial date has been set.
