In a south Phoenix neighborhood, the life of 24-year-old Adrian Reyes Valdez Avila was tragically cut short on July 9, 2019. He was a Hispanic/Latino male, a father of four, remembered by his family for his vibrant personality and generous heart. His sister described him as funny, and his mother fondly recalled his kindness and willingness to help others without expecting anything in return.
His sudden and violent death sent ripples of grief through his family and the local community.
On that Tuesday, Adrian was found with multiple gunshot wounds at an apartment complex near 29th Street and Roeser Road. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The Phoenix Police Department immediately launched an investigation into the fatal shooting, initially seeking two suspects who were seen fleeing the scene. The senseless act left his loved ones grappling with immense pain, with his mother, Betty, publicly expressing her profound sorrow and a message for those responsible. In the wake of the tragedy, the community rallied around Adrian's family, organizing a car wash and a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses.
The investigation progressed, and on July 31, 2019, an arrest was made. Richard Lee Mitchell Chambers, then 20 years old, was taken into custody and held on suspicion of second-degree murder. According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a verbal altercation. An anonymous source informed police that Chambers and Adrian had fought the day before the shooting over Adrian's firearm, and it was believed that Chambers took the gun after the incident. Though Chambers denied his involvement in the homicide, he was arrested at his Phoenix residence and jailed on a $500,000 bond. The two individuals initially seen running from the scene were later determined by the source not to have been involved in the shooting.
