In the fall of 2022, a bright future was tragically cut short for 17-year-old Briza Reyes in Chandler, Arizona. She and her 19-year-old boyfriend, Jesus Adolfo Tenorio, were a young couple in love, excitedly expecting their first child. Briza, who was five weeks pregnant, was remembered by her family as a person full of light, always willing to make others happy.
The couple lived together across the street from an apartment complex near Pecos and Arizona Avenue, a place that would become the scene of a senseless act of violence.
On the evening of November 9th, Briza and Jesus were visiting someone at the nearby apartment complex when gunshots rang out. In what family members describe as a 'wrong place, wrong time' situation, both were struck by bullets. The chaos of the event was further highlighted by a stray bullet that pierced the wall of a neighboring apartment, narrowly missing the resident inside. Jesus was killed at the scene, while Briza fought for her life for more than a week before succumbing to her injuries on November 17th.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led police to two suspects. One, identified as 27-year-old Korey William Sandusky Jr., was apprehended after allegedly breaking into a nearby home and assaulting the homeowner. Sandusky, a previously convicted felon who was on probation and had outstanding warrants from Michigan, was charged with a slew of offenses, including homicide, aggravated assault, first-degree burglary, and illegal weapon possession. A second man, aged 28, was also taken into custody and remains under investigation in connection with the incident. The motive for the shooting remains a mystery to investigators and the grieving families.
In the wake of this tragedy, Briza's mother has been a vocal advocate for her daughter, expressing her profound grief and opposition to a plea deal offered to Sandusky. She has rallied the community for support, determined to see justice served for her daughter and the future that was stolen from her. The family held a heartfelt memorial, surrounded by candles and flowers, to honor the young couple whose lives were so violently and prematurely ended.
