A months-long homicide investigation in north Phoenix has now pulled in a third brother. Detectives on Monday, May 4, arrested 27-year-old David Zamora Flores in connection with a deadly shooting outside a strip mall that left one man dead and another badly wounded. Flores was booked on counts that include second-degree murder and aggravated assault. His brothers, 29-year-old Ricky Zamora and 20-year-old Daniel Zamora, were arrested earlier this year in the same case.
Police: Scene and Victims
According to a media advisory from Phoenix Police, officers were called around 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 2 after reports of gunfire near 19th Avenue and Bell Road. When they arrived at 17200 North 19th Avenue, they found two adult men suffering from gunshot wounds.
One of the victims, 25-year-old Manuel Fonseca, was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The second man survived but remained hospitalized in serious, yet stable, condition, according to the advisory.
Arrest and Charges
Phoenix police this week announced they had taken Flores into custody on a warrant tied to the Jan. 2 shooting. He was booked on one count of second-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault, Arizona's Family reported. Authorities have not yet said where he is being held or whether formal charges have been filed with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Court Filings and Evidence
Court records reviewed by FOX 10 Phoenix indicate the violence was preceded by a verbal argument that turned into a physical fight. Investigators documented roughly 17 9mm shell casings at the scene.
Based on the evidence, detectives believe Daniel and David fired shots, while Ricky did not. In those filings, Daniel told investigators he returned fire after a victim “began talking s*** to him,” according to the station’s review of the documents.
Conflicting Accounts
Arizona's Family reports that Ricky gave police a different account. He allegedly told detectives that he and David recognized one victim’s vehicle because the man had previously been involved with a woman Ricky once dated.
According to court paperwork cited by the outlet, Ricky said David told him they were “going to get him” before the brothers tried to sneak up on the victim. The confrontation then escalated into an argument and ultimately gunfire. Witnesses also told investigators that children were present with the victims when the shooting broke out, the station reported.
What’s Next
Daniel and Ricky were taken into custody in early January, and a judge set a $1 million cash-only bond for Daniel, according to earlier court records and prior reporting. Police say the investigation is still active and are asking anyone with information to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO.
For more background on how the case began, see Hoodline’s earlier coverage of the initial barbershop shooting arrests.
Legal Implications
Being booked on second-degree murder and aggravated assault leaves Flores facing significant felony exposure if prosecutors proceed with formal charges. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office will review the full investigative file before deciding on any charging documents.
Flores remains in custody awaiting his initial court appearances. As of now, arraignment dates and detailed hearing schedules have not been publicly posted.
