In the quiet city of Yuma, Arizona, a tragedy unfolded on the evening of May 9, 2026, forever altering the lives of those connected to Alvin Nelson. The 67-year-old man became the victim of a violent encounter that ended his life. The incident, which took place in the 300 block of S. 13th Avenue, was initially reported to the Yuma Police Department as an aggravated assault involving a firearm. When officers arrived at approximately 7:45 p.m., they discovered an unresponsive male under a gazebo.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts, the man, later identified as Alvin Nelson, could not be saved.
The investigation into the shooting quickly revealed a grim sequence of events. Authorities identified 55-year-old Richard Carter as the suspect who had shot Nelson before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly released, leaving a veil of mystery over the sudden violence that erupted that Saturday evening. The initial news of the shooting sent ripples of concern through the community as they awaited further details about the senseless act.
A short time after the initial incident, at approximately 7:57 p.m., the investigation took another dark turn. Yuma Police received a call regarding an attempted suicide in the 1800 block of 5th Avenue, and the individual involved was identified as Richard Carter. Both Alvin Nelson and Richard Carter were transported to Onvida Health for medical treatment. Tragically, both men succumbed to their injuries. The case, which authorities have classified as a homicide-suicide, concluded with the deaths of both the victim and the perpetrator, leaving behind unanswered questions for a community to grapple with in the wake of the violence.
