A tragic story unfolded on a Tuesday morning in Surprise, Arizona, leading to the death of 23-year-old Erick Prieto. On May 8, 2018, Prieto was found in the parking lot of the Wyngate at Sycamore Farms Apartments with a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries later that day.
The investigation into the shooting soon identified a suspect: 44-year-old Michael Lee Peacock. It was revealed that Prieto was dating Peacock's daughter.
According to reports, Peacock and Prieto were seen leaving the apartment together on the morning of the incident, presumably heading to work. Shortly after they left, a loud bang was heard.
Following the shooting, Peacock fled the scene in a pickup truck. A warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder. In conversations with his daughter and other family members, Peacock reportedly admitted to the shooting, stating that he believed Prieto was going to ruin his daughter's life.
A multi-state manhunt for Peacock ensued. Authorities believed he might be heading to either Mexico or California. However, he was located later that same day on Interstate 25 near Albuquerque, New Mexico. As law enforcement officers with the U.S. Marshals Service approached him, Peacock fled on foot and then took his own life.
