In a tragic turn of events, Travis Dunham, a 50-year-old male, was killed on January 8, 2019, during a violent home invasion in north Phoenix, Arizona. The incident was orchestrated by a man who knew him and had been a regular visitor to his home.
Michael Warner, an acquaintance of Dunham's, reportedly planned the armed robbery, believing Dunham kept large amounts of drugs and money at his residence near North Valley Parkway and Casino Avenue.
Warner had allegedly been attempting to recruit others for the robbery for two months prior to the incident. On the night of the attack, Warner went to Dunham's house under the pretense of a regular visit. Once inside, he signaled for his accomplices to begin the home invasion.
Matthew Zawacky, along with other unidentified suspects, entered the home through the garage, armed with a handgun. They ordered Dunham and three other residents to the ground, restraining Dunham. The other residents were moved to a bedroom. During the course of the robbery, Zawacky shot and killed two of Dunham's dogs.
At some point, Dunham managed to break free from his restraints and armed himself with a firearm. He shot Zawacky, who then returned fire, fatally wounding Dunham. After the shooting, Warner, Zawacky, and the other suspects fled the scene. In an attempt to distance himself from the crime, Warner later contacted the police, claiming to be a victim.
Investigators were led to Zawacky, a convicted felon, through blood evidence left at the scene from his gunshot wound. He was located and arrested while seeking medical treatment. Witnesses later informed police that Zawacky had told them Warner had planned the entire incident. Michael Warner was subsequently arrested, and during his initial court appearance, Dunham's daughter emotionally confronted him, calling him a coward for robbing her father and killing her dogs. Michael Warner later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his role in the fatal armed robbery and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
