Phoenix detectives say weeks of work on a north Phoenix homicide case came to a head this week when they arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with an April shooting that left 37-year-old Cheyenne Richard Amestoy dead. The suspect, identified by police as Andrew Castanon-Espitia, is now facing homicide and drug-possession charges as investigators keep digging into what happened.
Traffic stop led to arrest, police say
According to Arizona's Family, detectives tracked Castanon-Espitia down during a traffic stop on May 12 near Cave Creek and Bell roads, about two miles north of the original crime scene. Investigators had been building a case for several weeks, and evidence collected in that time allegedly tied the 26-year-old to the killing. The outlet reports that officers then booked him into a Maricopa County jail on counts of second-degree murder and drug possession.
Where the shooting occurred
Officers were first called out around 2:30 a.m. on April 14 after reports of gunfire at a home near Cave Creek Road north of Sweetwater Avenue, where they found Amestoy wounded. The case listing for Cheyenne Richard Amestoy in that area appears on Silent Witness, which tracks homicide investigations and tip information across the Valley. Police have not said whether Amestoy and Castanon-Espitia knew each other or what they believe led up to the shooting.
Arrest turned up drugs, police say
Investigators say the traffic stop did more than locate a homicide suspect. Officers reported finding a large quantity of illicit drugs during the encounter and took Castanon-Espitia into custody without incident. Arizona's Family reports that he was booked into a Maricopa County jail on second-degree murder and drug-possession charges. Officials have not released details about the specific drugs seized, other evidence collected, or whether additional charges could follow.
What second-degree murder means in Arizona
Under Arizona law, second-degree murder covers killings that are not premeditated but still involve intent to kill, conduct that shows extreme indifference to human life, or knowing actions that cause death. Legal references explain that the offense is defined in ARS §13-1104 and can carry lengthy prison sentences if a person is convicted. For a concise breakdown of the statute and its elements, see FindLaw.
How to share tips with investigators
Detectives are still asking for the public’s help as they piece together the final hours before the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Phoenix police or submit an anonymous tip through local tip lines. Silent Witness maintains a case page and tip portal for the Amestoy homicide where community members can share information without providing their names.
