Audio By Carbonatix
The Phoenix Police Department has identified the boy found shot to death on a Phoenix sidewalk yesterday morning.
The victim is 13-year-old Jonathan Garcia-Valladares. His body was found just blocks from the Phoenix home where he lives with his parents.
According to police, Garcia-Valladares was jogging near 28th Street and Thomas Road early yesterday morning when he was shot just before 8 a.m.
Neighbors reported hearing yelling coming from the area where his body was found. They told police they heard multiple gun shots after the yelling and witnesses saw a car leaving the scene.
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
One witness followed the suspect for several blocks but lost him a few streets from the scene of the shooting.
Initially, police didn’t know the identity of the victim, but put two-and-two together when Garcia-Valladares’ parents called police to report their son had not returned home from his jog.
Detectives believe the shooting may be random. However, they have a person of interest they need the public’s help in finding.
The person of interest is described as a black male, about 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8. At the time of the shooting, he was wearing a blue baseball cap with red trim, a white T-shirt and baggy jeans. He might have long, braided hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Phoenix Police Department.
