Man dies after shooting in south Mesa

MESA, Ariz. — A man has died after a shooting in Mesa on New Year’s Day. 

Officers were called to an apartment complex in the area of West Emerald Avenue and South Stewart for reports of gunshots just before 9 p.m., according to Mesa police.

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When officers arrived, they found Richard Garcia, 35, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries. 

Robert Garcia, 18, was identified as the suspect in the shooting. The pair, who are related, were involved in an argument that escalated to the shooting, according to detectives. 

Witnesses told police Richard Garcia came to the apartment where his cousin Robert lived and started an argument, according to court records. 

Robert’s parents, sister and girlfriend were all at the apartment and told police Richard is an alcoholic who tried to start a fight with Robert. 

Robert came back inside the apartment and told his girlfriend he was going to get Richard’s stuff from his car. 

When Robert went back outside, the family and a neighbor reported hearing several pops. 

Robert told police Richard tried to fight him and hit him in the head. That’s when Robert pulled a gun.

Robert told police the next thing he knew, Richard was stepping backward and bleeding. 

Witnesses stated they had seen Robert praying over Richard while Robert’s father called 911. 

Robert Garcia was arrested on the charge of second-degree murder.

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