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Mom missing from homicide scene may be in danger

Posted at 5:14 PM, Feb 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-08 22:08:39-05

Phoenix police are desperately searching for a young mother who disappeared after the brutal murder of her boyfriend.

Investigators said they believe Veronica Huerta Brown may be in danger with her ex-boyfriend, who police suspect of pulling the trigger.

Richard Paz Garcia, 20, is suspected of shooting and killing Brown’s 20-year-old boyfriend at an apartment complex near Indian School and 12th Street on Saturday.

Police said Brown, her 1-year-old son, and her boyfriend drove together to their apartment Saturday afternoon. When they arrived, they were met by her Garcia, her ex, who allegedly ordered the victim out of the car with the baby, and then took the baby before shooting and killing the victim. 

"We now have an ex-boyfriend who is alleged to have taken the life of her current boyfriend, which means that she (Veronica) could very well be in danger," Phoenix police spokesman James Holmes said.

As investigators try to find Brown and Garcia, police said they have no criminal records on any of the adults involved, and there's no trace of them on social media.

"The lack of that information makes it more difficult for us to track them down," Holmes said. 

Sunday, the baby was returned safely, but police aren't releasing details, saying it's a central part of the investigation.

"We don't want to put information out there that might endanger others," Holmes said.

Police said Garcia, who is the father of the child, may be in a white 2004 Dodge Stratus with Arizona license plates BDB7973. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to call Phoenix Police.