In the early morning hours of August 15, 2026, a dispute in the parking lot of the Airport Tavern in Casa Grande, Arizona, tragically cut short the life of 37-year-old Jacob Encinas. A resident of Casa Grande, Encinas was a man known for his natural ability to draw people in, his love of music, and his quick wit. He was a beloved son, husband, and father to four children.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:45 a.m., stemmed from a verbal altercation between Encinas and
another man. The argument escalated, leading to Encinas suffering a single gunshot wound to his upper torso. Emergency services were called to the scene at 1801 North Pinal Avenue, but Encinas was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Casa Grande Police Department quickly identified 21-year-old Tristen Lee Alvarez as the suspect in the shooting. However, Alvarez had fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. Authorities immediately launched a manhunt, cautioning the public that Alvarez should be considered armed and dangerous. As of the latest available information, Tristen Lee Alvarez remains at large, and the investigation into the death of Jacob Encinas is ongoing. There have been no reports of arrests, convictions, or sentencing in this case.
