In the winter of 2023, a violent encounter in Phoenix, Arizona, ended the life of 24-year-old Jovanni Angel Burciaga. On the evening of December 17th, police responded to reports of a shooting at a residence near 7th Street and Southern Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Burciaga and 16-year-old Mario Banegas next to a vehicle, both having sustained gunshot wounds.
Burciaga was pronounced dead at the scene, while the younger male was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the shooting occurred during what they described as a planned home invasion at a residence near 4th Street and Pecan Road. It is believed that Burciaga and Mario Banegas, accompanied by a third individual, drove to the home with the intent to commit a robbery. During this attempt, an exchange of gunfire took place, and the homeowner shot both Burciaga and Mario Banegas. A third person, who was also shot at the residence, later arrived at a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In the course of their investigation, Phoenix Police detectives identified 41-year-old Tommy Banegas as a participant in the attempted robbery. Authorities allege that Tommy Banegas, along with Jovanni Burciaga and Mario Banegas, went to the victim's house to carry out the home invasion. While his two accomplices were shot and killed by the homeowner, Tommy Banegas was able to flee the scene. Detectives established probable cause for his involvement in the robbery and the resulting deaths. On January 9, 2024, Tommy Banegas was arrested and booked into the Maricopa County jail in connection with the incident.
