PHOENIX — A man has died after a shooting in central Phoenix Saturday afternoon.
Phoenix police say it happened near 7th and Missouri avenues around 2:15 p.m.
Officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, and he was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition.
The man, identified as 54-year-old Stephen Guardino, died at the hospital.
"It is an immense loss. It’s a real shock. The last person I ever expected to end up in this situation,” said Parker Weston, who performed for years with Guardino in their band Butoh Sonics. "It’s losing a big brother. And someone that I looked up to who was a creative mentor in so many ways.”
A woman who is believed to be involved in the shooting was detained.
According to police, she was questioned and later released.
On Monday evening, the experimental music community in Phoenix came together on Roosevelt Row to honor Guardino who was remembered as a creative leader in the avant-garde music scene, “a sound artist of the rarest kind."
"Just the nicest guy,” said Scott Mitting. "He was always really calm. I found it really calming to talk to him. For somebody who made such erratic music maybe that’s an appropriate outlet.”
Friends said Guardino was born in New York but grew up in Arizona and stayed here. He worked as an IT professional while also taking care of his autistic brother.
“He was my partner, my son’s step-father basically,” said Erica Sarhong who had been with Steve for 8.5 years. "I don’t know what we’re going to do frankly.”
Everyone who knew him expressed surprise Guardino would be involved in what police believe could be a road rage shooting. Friends on Monday recalling his generosity and giving spirit.
“He was not an angry person at all, he didn’t have a mean bone in his body,” Weston said. "Nothing is worth taking traffic personally. This is the harshest reminder of that.”
Police believe Guardino was driving in the area and got out of his vehicle to confront the woman, who was in her car.
The woman was stopped at the intersection.
She allegedly shot Guardino from inside her car, and she stayed at the scene to speak with officers.
It's not clear if the woman will face charges.
The shooting remains under investigation.
