A sense of unease led a friend to contact Phoenix police on the evening of August 21, 2023. They were concerned because they hadn't been able to get in touch with or see their friend, Harry Nguyenhuy Doan. Acting on this report, officers went to an apartment complex located at 3030 North 7th Street to check on the 25-year-old male. Inside the residence, they discovered a tragic scene.
Doan was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the location.
As detectives began to piece together the events that led to the brutal killing, their investigation uncovered a history of conflict. It was learned that Doan was currently in a relationship with a woman whose former boyfriend, identified as 26-year-old Rene Penaloza, had previously made threats against him. This critical piece of information provided investigators with a person of interest and a potential motive for the murder.
With probable cause established, law enforcement tracked Penaloza to the Tucson area. In a coordinated effort with the Department of Public Safety, his vehicle was pulled over, and he was arrested. During subsequent questioning, Penaloza confessed to the homicide. He was then booked on several charges, including murder, for the death of Harry Doan.
