In the early evening of June 22, 2023, the life of 19-year-old Arath Ernesto Robles Miranda was tragically cut short on a sidewalk in Tucson, Arizona. A Hispanic male, Arath was found unresponsive at the intersection of South Ninth Avenue and West Ohio Street just after 7:30 p.m. by the Tucson Fire Department, who responded to a call. He showed clear signs of physical trauma, and despite the immediate life-saving efforts initiated by a person who found him and continued by emergency personnel,
he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators from the Tucson Police Department's Homicide Unit determined his death was a homicide resulting from gun violence.
Born on May 13, 2004, Arath was a beloved son and grandson known for his kindness and compassion. He attended Cholla High School and the Ombudsman Charter School, where he was recognized for his intelligence and desire to learn. Beyond his academic pursuits, Arath was a dedicated and accomplished boxer who had represented the Red Nation Warriors for six years. He also possessed a talent for music and dreamed of one day recording his own songs. In his leisure time, he found enjoyment and connection with friends through video games.
The investigation into Arath's murder swiftly gained momentum. Just two days after the incident, on June 24, homicide detectives discovered that personal items belonging to Arath were being advertised for sale online, with the seller located at a residence on West Michigan Drive. This critical lead prompted detectives to obtain a search warrant for the home. The Tucson Police Department's SWAT and Hostage Team were dispatched to serve the warrant. After multiple attempts to have the occupants exit the house, the SWAT team made entry and discovered an adult male hiding in the attic.
The individual found in the attic was identified as 18-year-old Francisco Sillik. Following interviews and an evaluation of the evidence gathered, detectives arrested Sillik and charged him with one count of first-degree murder and armed robbery. He was subsequently booked into the Pima County Jail. The investigation did not end there. Homicide detectives continued to pursue leads, which soon pointed to a second individual's involvement in the crime.
Further investigation led to the identification of 18-year-old Roy Raymond Reis-Martinez as the second suspect. An arrest warrant was issued for Reis-Martinez on charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and aggravated robbery. On June 27, officers with the Southside Community Response Team located him. The TPD SWAT team was again utilized to take Reis-Martinez into custody. After additional interviews, he was also booked into the Pima County Jail, held on a $750,000 bond, the same amount as Sillik's. Authorities have indicated that they are not seeking any other suspects in connection with the case.
