PHOENIX, Ariz., July 13, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The Phoenix Police Department is investigating apparent links between a group of unsolved homicides leading detectives to believe they may be dealing with a serial killer.
Investigators also have reviewed additional 2016 cases with similarities to those believed to have been committed by the one or more suspected serial shooters.
According to a prepared statement released Tuesday by the department, all shootings currently believed to be related happened since mid-March of this year.
This is a recap of the cases Phoenix Police officers believe may be connected:
• March 17: At approximately 11:30 p.m., a 16-year-old male was shot while walking in the street in the area of 1100 E. Moreland St. His injuries were not life threatening.
• March 18: At approximately 11:30 p.m., a 21-year-old male was shot while standing in the street outside of his vehicle in the area of 4300 N. 73rd Av. His injuries were not life threatening.
• April 1: At approximately 9:00 p.m., Diego Verdugo-Sanchez was shot and killed in front of a home in the area of 5500 W. Turney Ave.
• April 19: At approximately 4:30 a.m., 55-year-old Krystal Annette White was found deceased from apparent gunshot injuries sustained in the area of 500 N. 32nd St.
• June 3: At approximately 9:50 p.m., Horacio De Jesus Pena was shot and killed in front of a home in the area of 6700 W. Flower St.
• June 10: At approximately 9:30 p.m., Manuel Castro Garcia was shot and killed in front of a home in the area of 6500 W. Coronado.
• June 12: At approximately 2:35 a.m., an unoccupied vehicle was shot and damaged in the area of 6200 W. Mariposa Dr.
• June 12: At approximately 3:00 a.m., Angela Linner, Maleah Ellis, and Stefanie Ellis were shot and killed in front of a home in the area of 6300 W. Berkeley Road.
Detectives found a person who was able to provide a composite sketch of the shooter as described in one of the incidents. A reward is being offered for information that advances the investigation.
“Someone out there knows who did this,” said Phoenix Police Chief Joseph Yahner.
“We need our community to call us or Silent Witness and help us solve these cases, bring justice to these families and victims, and prevent more violence from occurring.”
Mariocopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery urged anyone with information to share it with investigators.
“I urge all of our residents to remain vigilant,” he said. “If you have any information or suspicion, please contact authorities so the perpetrators can be brought to justice.”
