A family dispute on New Year's Day turned fatal in Mesa, Arizona, leaving 35-year-old Richard Garcia dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The events unfolded at an apartment complex in the evening, just before 9 p.m., when Mesa Police responded to calls of gunshots in the vicinity of West Emerald Avenue and South Stewart. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Richard Garcia suffering from critical injuries.
He was quickly transported to a local hospital for medical attention but ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
The investigation into the shooting swiftly identified the suspect as Richard's younger cousin, 18-year-old Robert Garcia. According to detectives, the two relatives had been involved in a heated argument that tragically escalated to gunfire. Witnesses at the scene, including Robert's parents, sister, and girlfriend, told police that Richard, who they described as an alcoholic, had come to the apartment and initiated a confrontation with Robert. The argument reportedly turned physical, with Robert telling authorities that his older cousin had tried to fight him and struck him in the head.
In response to the physical altercation, Robert Garcia admittedly pulled out a gun. He informed police that the next thing he remembered was Richard stepping back, bleeding. In the immediate aftermath, as his father called for emergency services, witnesses reported seeing the younger Garcia praying over his wounded cousin. Following the investigation into the fatal encounter, Robert Garcia was arrested and now faces a charge of second-degree murder for the death of his cousin.
