In the early morning hours of July 18, 2022, the life of 35-year-old Benjamin Harmer was tragically cut short in a fatal shooting in Casa Grande, Arizona. The incident occurred around 5:21 a.m. near the intersection of French and Ocotillo Streets. When Casa Grande Police officers arrived at the scene following reports of shots fired, they discovered Harmer, who had sustained a gunshot wound.
Despite immediate attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the death of the male victim quickly pointed to a violent robbery. Authorities began searching for a gold, late-90s to early-2000s Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban that was seen leaving the area heading westbound after the shooting. The Casa Grande Police Department's diligent investigation, with support from the community, led to the identification of three suspects.
Within a couple of weeks, the efforts of law enforcement resulted in the apprehension of those believed to be responsible. On July 28, 2022, 18-year-old Jeramiah Anthony Rivera was arrested in Globe, Arizona. The following day, two more 18-year-old suspects, Miguel Angel Castillo-Tapia and Alfred Reyes, were taken into custody in Toltec and Casa Grande, respectively. All three were arrested without incident. The Pinal County Attorney's Office is reviewing charges of Murder and Robbery against each of the three men.
