In the early morning hours of October 5, 2018, the vibrant arts district of Roosevelt Row in Phoenix, Arizona, became the scene of a tragedy that cut short the life of David Bessent, a 41-year-old male artist. Bessent was walking home with his 24-year-old co-worker and fellow artist, Zachary Walter, at approximately 3:35 a.m. after a late shift at Jobot Coffee & Bar during the First Friday art walk.
Near Third Avenue and Roosevelt Street, the two men were confronted by individuals who
attempted to rob them. During the encounter, both Bessent and Walter were shot. Emergency services responded to the scene, and the two victims were transported to a local hospital. Initially, one of the men was pronounced dead, and the other was in critical condition. Tragically, David Bessent also succumbed to his injuries.
The Phoenix Police Department began an intensive investigation into the double homicide. Surveillance footage from the area revealed a possible suspect vehicle, described as a white SUV, potentially a Dodge Durango. The senseless act of violence sent shockwaves through the local arts community, where both Bessent and Walter were known as emerging talents.
In August 2019, a significant development occurred in the case when Phoenix police arrested two teenage suspects. Sixteen-year-old Antonio Palafox-Zermeno and 15-year-old Castulo Cervantes were taken into custody. They were subsequently charged as adults with two counts of first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery, and aggravated robbery. At the time of their arrest, law enforcement indicated that they were still searching for at least two other potential suspects involved in the fatal shooting. The two teenagers were held on a one-million-dollar bond each as they awaited trial for the deaths of David Bessent and Zachary Walter.
