Man found shot, killed in backyard of Phoenix home; suspect detained

PHOENIX – A suspect was detained after a man was found shot and killed on Sunday night in Phoenix.

What we know:

According to Phoenix Police, officers responded to reports of a shooting at a home around 7:35 p.m. on Oct. 12 near 39th and Maryland Avenues.

When officers got to the scene, they detained 31-year-old Brandon Alvarez, who called 911 to tell police he shot his 57-year-old stepfather, Jaunarius Moreno.

Moreno’s body was found in the backyard with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead from his injuries. 

Sgt. Phil Krynsky said preliminary information suggests Alvarez and Moreno got into a verbal argument in the backyard that escalated. Alvarez reportedly pulled a firearm and shot Moreno.

What’s next:

Alvarez was booked on one count of second-degree murder.

This remains an ongoing investigation, as detectives continue processing evidence. 

Map of where the shooting happened