In a tragic turn of events on a Monday afternoon, 17-year-old Arlandis West Jr. lost his life in a triple shooting at a Phoenix apartment complex. The incident, which unfolded around 2:15 p.m. on March 18, 2024, near 45th Avenue and Thomas Road, also left two others injured.
Phoenix police officers were called to the scene at 2627 North 45th Avenue, where they discovered an adult male in the middle of the apartment complex with at least one gunshot wound.
This individual was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries and was later identified as the suspect in the shooting. Inside a nearby apartment, officers found a juvenile female and Arlandis West Jr., both suffering from gunshot wounds.
The female victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Tragically, Arlandis West Jr. succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives who took over the investigation believe the incident stemmed from a disagreement between the suspect and West Jr. This initial confrontation escalated into a physical fight and then an exchange of gunfire, resulting in all three individuals being shot.
The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Brazion Sheppard, was arrested after being released from medical care. He now faces several serious charges, including first-degree murder, burglary, and aggravated assault. Following his arrest, Sheppard was booked into jail and is being held on a $1.25 million bond as the investigation into the motives behind the deadly altercation continues.
