In the early morning hours of August 31, 2022, the life of 18-year-old Frida Valdez was tragically cut short in her South Phoenix mobile home park. Responding to a welfare check near Central Avenue and Roeser Road, police discovered the young woman with gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of first responders, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Neighbors reported hearing two gunshots around 5 a.m., shattering the morning's quiet and the lives of Frida's family and friends.
Described as a smart, friendly, and outgoing young woman, Frida was a beloved daughter and friend. Her family, devastated by the sudden and violent loss, gathered at the scene, desperate for answers. Frida, who had attended Carl Hayden and Sierra Linda High Schools, was remembered as a fun, caring, beautiful, and strong individual who worked at Amazon. The community was left shaken by the senseless act of violence that took a promising young life.
The investigation into Frida's death moved swiftly. Within days, Phoenix police announced the arrests of two suspects in connection with the shooting. Eighteen-year-old Leon Verdugo and 22-year-old Jesus Barrera were taken into custody. Verdugo faced charges related to the murder, while Barrera was booked on a charge of misconduct involving weapons. The arrests brought a measure of relief to a grieving community, though the motive for the shooting was not immediately made public by investigators.
