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Police warn west Phoenix residents of deadly shooting trend

Posted at 2:10 PM, Jun 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-14 21:54:04-04

Police are warning residents in a west Phoenix area about a scary trend in deadly shooting incidents.

Phoenix police said Tuesday they are still working to determine motives in the recent homicides, and they are asking neighbors to assist with any information.

See a map of the shooting locations below. 

Three of the shootings have occurred in the last two weeks, and a fourth was reported in April.

  • Police have no suspect information in the shooting of 21-year-old Diego Verdugo-Sanchez, who was killed April 1 by a suspect who shot at him from inside a vehicle near 55th and Campbell avenues.
  • Horacio De Jesus Pena was shot and killed on June 3 near 67th Avenue and Thomas Road after returning home from work. No suspect information is known.
  • Detectives are also looking for information in the murder of Manuel Garcia near 67th Avenue and McDowell Road. The 19-year-old was in his car when another vehicle approached and, after a brief conversation, the suspect opened fire.
  • The fourth shooting left 31-year-old Angela Linner and 12-year-old Maleah Ellis dead in their car near 63rd Avenue and McDowell Road. A third victim remains in critical condition. Police said witness reported seeing a suspect leaving the area in a light-colored sedan. He is described as a Hispanic male, 30 to 35 years old, medium build, wearing red shorts and a white t-shirt, armed with a semi automatic gun.

Sgt. Jonathan Howard said residents may also recognize an increased police presence in the area as detectives continue to investigate the incidents. Officers will be going door-to-door to share Silent Witness flyers with the latest information on each case.

Howard said police are encouraging anyone who sees potentially suspicious activity to report it immediately.