In the pre-dawn hours of June 10, 2024, a father of five, Lealdo Enrique Pedrego Tolano, was driving his gray 2009 Ford Escape on Interstate 10 in Phoenix, Arizona. At approximately 3:35 a.m., a call was made to the Arizona Department of Public Safety about a vehicle collision near 7th Avenue. When troopers arrived at the scene, they discovered the 39-year-old man inside his vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency personnel transported Tolano to a local hospital, but he
succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The Phoenix Police Department has since taken over the investigation and has officially ruled his death a homicide. This incident was noted as the second of three freeway shootings that occurred in the Valley within a short period, though authorities have stated that the shootings do not appear to be connected.
Remembered by his family as a diligent provider who loved the outdoors, including off-roading and camping, Tolano's sudden death has left his loved ones seeking answers. As of now, the investigation into his murder is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. Phoenix police are urging the public for assistance, asking anyone who was traveling on I-10 near 7th Avenue in the early morning hours of June 10th and may have witnessed anything or has dash-cam footage to come forward. Authorities have emphasized that even the smallest detail could be crucial in resolving the case and bringing closure to his family. A reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
