In the early summer of 2025, the community of Apache Junction, Arizona, was shaken by a senseless act of violence that claimed the life of one of its own. Gabriel Facio, a 46-year-old male born in Mexico, had realized his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, a path he pursued with passion and dedication for three years with the Apache Junction Police Department. His journey in law enforcement came to a tragic end following a confrontation on June 2nd.
On that Monday morning, officers responded to reports of a man brandishing a firearm in a white Tesla. The situation began as a seemingly compliant traffic stop. The driver, identified as 37-year-old Roger Nunez, initially showed no signs of aggression. However, the encounter quickly escalated when he was asked to step out of his vehicle. Instead of complying peacefully, Nunez retrieved a handgun from the car and began to walk away from the officers. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation with verbal commands and less-lethal options, the suspect remained non-compliant.
The tense standoff reached a devastating climax when Nunez abruptly turned and fired his weapon, a 'ghost gun' with no serial number, at the officers. A bullet struck Officer Facio in the face, inflicting a critical injury. Other officers on the scene immediately returned fire, wounding Nunez. Both men were transported to local hospitals. For six days, Officer Facio fought for his life, surrounded by his loving family who had rushed to his side from across the country and Mexico. The community rallied in support, holding out hope for his recovery, but the damage was too severe. On June 8, 2025, Gabriel Facio succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, Roger Nunez was treated for his injuries and subsequently taken into custody. He was booked into the Pinal County Jail and faces a litany of serious charges, including one count of first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, and two counts of disorderly conduct with a weapon. He is being held on a two-million-dollar, cash-only bond. In the wake of this profound loss, the Pinal County Attorney's Office announced its intention to seek the death penalty, a decision made with the full support of Officer Facio's grieving family, as they begin the long and difficult process of seeking justice for the beloved husband, father, and dedicated public servant.
