In a bid to gain entry into the notorious Mexican Mafia, Timothy Bernal carried out the murder of Chad Munoz, a Hispanic man who was a former member of the gang and reportedly in 'bad standing.' On May 2, 2023, Munoz was last seen leaving a Phoenix, Arizona apartment with Bernal and Bernal's girlfriend. The trio drove to several locations throughout the day before Bernal pulled into a neighborhood near 16th Street and Broadway Road under the pretense of looking for someone who owed him
money.
After instructing his girlfriend to switch seats with him, moving from the driver's to the passenger's seat, Bernal, armed with a rifle, opened fire on Munoz, who was in the back seat, killing him. Following the shooting, Bernal directed others to dispose of Munoz's body, which was later discovered in a valley canal in Maricopa County. The vehicle used in the crime was also disposed of as part of the cover-up. Munoz was also known as a musician in the Phoenix area.
The investigation into Munoz's disappearance and death led law enforcement to Timothy Bernal. During their investigation, they uncovered his involvement in another murder that occurred in February 2023. Bernal was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. For his crimes, he was sentenced to 48.75 years in prison. The motive for Munoz's murder was confirmed to be Bernal's desire to become a member of the Mexican Mafia, who had allegedly promised him a spot in their organization if he carried out the killing.
