Gabriel Chacon, a 24-year-old Hispanic man, was fatally shot in Phoenix, Arizona, in the early morning hours of Monday, June 24, 2019. At approximately 2:45 a.m., he and another young man, 18-year-old David Romero, were found lying in the street near 17th Avenue and Mountain View Road, both having sustained critical gunshot wounds. Emergency services were unable to save them, and both men were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation into the deaths of Chacon and Romero took a
turn when, about a half-hour later, another fatal shooting was reported near 35th and Missouri avenues. There, police discovered the body of 18-year-old Natalie Bentacourt, who had also been shot and killed. Authorities quickly announced that they believed the two deadly shootings were likely related. During their investigation, police located a vehicle that matched the description of one seen leaving both crime scenes. The vehicle was found near 33rd Avenue and Van Buren Street, but the suspect or suspects were not with it.
According to Gabriel Chacon's sister, AnaKaren Alba, her brother and his friends were walking home from another friend's house at the time they were attacked. While she had heard that the perpetrators may have been involved in criminal activities from a nearby house, Phoenix police did not confirm this information. She also shared that while her brother had been recently released from prison, she did not believe his past had any connection to the shooting.
As of the latest available reports, no suspects have been publicly identified or arrested in connection with the murders of Gabriel Chacon, David Romero, and Natalie Bentacourt. The investigation into the triple homicide remains ongoing. Phoenix police have encouraged anyone with information regarding the case to contact Silent Witness.
