Tempe man arrested for murder, arson after being released from hospital

TEMPE, Ariz. — A 39-year-old man has been arrested for first-degree murder and arson after allegedly shooting a man in his car and setting fire to his own apartment last month, Tempe police said.

Blaine Blystone was arrested Sunday in connection with the Sept. 26 shooting death of Gustavo Gonzalez, 38, at an apartment complex near Curry and Scottsdale roads, according to the Tempe Police Department.

Police said Gonzalez was sitting in his car preparing to leave just after 3 p.m. when Blystone fired several rounds from his apartment into the vehicle. Neighbors called 911 after hearing gunfire and seeing the victim in his car.

Officers found Gonzalez with serious injuries and he was transported to a hospital, where he later died. 

After the shooting, investigators said Blystone set fire to his own apartment and shot himself in the stomach. Police located him as he was leaving through his garage. Blystone told officers that unknown people had shot him and set his apartment on fire, but investigators found evidence at the scene showing he was connected to both the shooting and the arson, police said.

Following surgery, Blystone admitted to detectives that he carried out the attack, saying it was targeted but that he did not personally know the victim, according to police.

Blystone was medically cleared from the hospital Sunday and booked into jail on charges of first-degree murder, arson, discharge of a firearm at a nonresidential structure and unlawful discharge.

The Tempe Police Department thanked residents who called 911, cooperated with investigators and showed patience during temporary evacuations. 

Editor’s note: The video above is from a previous newscast.