Five years after 19-year-old Kelly Roach was found shot in Mesa, his killing is still an open case and his family is still waiting for answers. Roach was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds, and investigators say some of his personal property and his vehicle were taken after the attack. The latest appeal from detectives and community members underscores lingering frustration that, so far, no arrests have been made.
How That Night Unfolded
Just after midnight on May 18, 2021, Mesa police officers responded to a shots-fired call at about 12:06 a.m. in the area of 400 W. Brown Drive and found Roach with multiple gunshot wounds. He later died of his injuries. Investigators determined that some of Roach’s belongings were missing and that his vehicle had been stolen, then later located a short distance away. The case is listed as case number 2021‑3539 on the Silent Witness flyer, according to Silent Witness.
Detectives Renew Appeal For Leads
Mesa detectives are once again asking the public for help five years after the killing, and local television coverage this week highlighted the family’s call for answers. As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the station published a video on May 23, 2026 that summarized the case and urged anyone with information or footage to contact investigators. The renewed push comes as Roach’s loved ones continue to press for movement in a case that remains open.
Where To Send Tips
The Mesa Police Department cold-case page directs people to contact the Homicide Unit and outlines ways to submit tips online, according to the Mesa Police Department. The site lists a Homicide Unit phone line and a registry for victims' representatives so families can be notified of major developments. Silent Witness accepts anonymous tips at 480‑WITNESS (480‑948‑6377) and offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest, as detailed by Silent Witness.
Case Still Echoes In The Community
Roach’s death has lingered in local memory, as he is listed on memorial pages and was the subject of a late 2023 episode of a podcast about Mesa Police Department cold cases. The episode and memorial listings reflect ongoing community interest and the family’s hope that renewed publicity will generate new leads, as seen on the UNREDACTED podcast and GunMemorial.
Anyone with information about Roach's killing is asked to call the Mesa Police Department Homicide Unit at 480‑644‑2012 or submit an anonymous tip to Silent Witness at 480‑948‑6377. Case materials and the reward flyer are posted on the Mesa city and Silent Witness sites for reference, according to the Mesa Police Department.
