In the late evening hours of March 5, 2023, a violent encounter in Phoenix, Arizona, claimed the life of 43-year-old Chris Paul Gonzales. The incident unfolded around 10:15 p.m. near a business located in the vicinity of 29th Avenue and Cactus Road. Phoenix police officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Gonzales with grave injuries.
Emergency medical services from the Phoenix Fire Department were promptly on-site and
administered treatment to Gonzales. Despite their efforts, his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Homicide detectives were called in to commence an investigation into the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Investigators utilized surveillance footage from the area which captured the critical moments of the event. The footage showed Gonzales standing with two other individuals near 28th Drive when a man, later identified as Noel Jesus Gordillo, approached them on a bicycle. Gordillo stopped directly in front of Gonzales and fired a single, fatal shot that struck him in the head. Gonzales then sought assistance at a nearby business before succumbing to his injury.
Through the combination of surveillance evidence, witness statements, and 911 calls, law enforcement officials were able to identify Gordillo as the suspect. He was subsequently arrested on March 15, 2023. At the time of the murder, Gordillo had a significant criminal history, including six prior felony convictions and two previous prison sentences. In April 2025, Noel Jesus Gordillo was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of Christopher Gonzales.
