In the early morning hours of January 15, 2026, the life of 34-year-old Hispanic female Mariela G. Duarte Gaxiola was tragically cut short in Phoenix, Arizona. Born in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico, on November 19, 1991, Mariela was a resident of Phoenix. Her untimely death is now the subject of a homicide investigation by the Phoenix Police Department.
Just before 2:00 a.m., officers responded to a call about an injured person near 67th Avenue and Camelback Road.
Upon their arrival, they discovered Mariela G. Duarte Gaxiola on the frontage road, having sustained at least one gunshot wound. Despite the immediate response from the Phoenix Fire Department, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Homicide detectives were called in to take over the investigation and began processing the area for evidence. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and authorities have not released any information regarding a possible motive.
As of now, there has been no public announcement regarding any arrests made in connection with the death of Mariela G. Duarte Gaxiola, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The investigation is active and ongoing. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness.
