In the early morning hours of September 21, 2025, a residence in West Phoenix became the scene of a fatal shooting. Officers from the Phoenix Police Department were dispatched to the area of 52nd Drive and Hubbell Street around 2:30 a.m. following reports of a person being shot. Upon their arrival, they discovered 28-year-old Gabriel Soto Hernandez inside a home, suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
Medical assistance was rendered, but Hernandez was pronounced deceased at the scene.
As the investigation into the shooting began, homicide detectives identified a potential suspect, 43-year-old Edward Sanchez. Sanchez was located and ultimately arrested after probable cause was established. During an interview with authorities, Sanchez admitted to his involvement in the shooting. However, he claimed that his actions were in self-defense.
Following his arrest, Edward Sanchez was booked into jail on multiple charges, including murder. The specifics of his self-defense claim have not been publicly detailed by officials as the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are continuing to piece together the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter between Sanchez and Hernandez.
