On the evening of June 23, 2024, in Safford, Arizona, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace at the Copper Springs RV Park, leaving a young man's life extinguished. Adam Christopher Avalos, a 31-year-old Hispanic male, was found deceased in the parking area of the residence located at 326 S. 8th Ave. when Safford Police officers responded to reports of shots fired at approximately 9:37 p.m.
The area was immediately secured as an active crime scene, with assistance from the Graham County Sheriff's Office and officers from the Pima and Thatcher Police Departments.
In the days that followed the tragic event, the Safford Police Department identified 19-year-old Chezerae Arrellin Jr., also of Safford, as a person of interest in the fatal shooting. A search for Arrellin commenced, as he was wanted for questioning regarding the incident that led to Avalos's death. The investigation into the homicide continued, with authorities appealing to the public for any information regarding Arrellin's whereabouts or the shooting itself. The community was left mourning the loss of Avalos, with tributes and an obituary marking his untimely passing.
A break in the search for Arrellin came when he was apprehended in Yuma on unrelated outstanding warrants. He was subsequently extradited back to Graham County. Although Arrellin was in custody, the homicide investigation into Adam Avalos's death remained ongoing. As of early 2025, while still considered a person of interest in the murder, Arrellin was sentenced to a prison term of over three years for violating his probation on separate charges, including theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, and possession of a weapon by a prohibited person. He is also facing multiple drug charges involving the sale of fentanyl. To date, no official charges have been filed in direct connection with the homicide of Adam Avalos.
