In the heart of Phoenix, a verbal dispute inside a central city motel escalated into a fatal encounter for Zykel-Amani Woodard. The 23-year-old male was shot on the evening of February 28, 2024, following a heated argument. The incident occurred shortly before 6:15 p.m. at a motel located near 24th and Jackson Streets.
Responding to a call about an unknown trouble, police officers arrived to find Woodard suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency medical services from the fire department treated him at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
As officers began their investigation, they learned that the individual involved in the altercation had fled the scene on foot. Authorities immediately followed leads and were able to locate and detain the suspect in the vicinity. During the initial investigation, detectives discovered that the shooting was preceded by a verbal argument between the two men.
The suspect was taken into custody and interviewed by detectives. During the interview, he claimed that he had acted in self-defense. Following this claim, the suspect was released from custody pending further investigation. The case remains open, and a final charging decision will be made upon the completion of the police inquiry.
