In the early hours of a spring morning in Tucson, Arizona, a promising young life was abruptly cut short. Javier Abraham Quiroz, a 24-year-old male, was fatally shot on March 25, 2018. The incident unfolded at an apartment complex on East Fort Lowell Road, initially reported as a possible domestic violence situation.
Police arrived at the scene around 2:00 a.m. to a chaotic and tragic scene.
A woman outside the apartment informed them that her boyfriend, armed with a handgun, had forced his way into the apartment she was visiting. Inside that apartment was Javier Quiroz. The woman reported that her boyfriend had shot and killed Quiroz.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old David Turner, was located by officers in the apartment complex parking lot. He was taken into custody without incident, and a handgun was found in his possession. When officers entered the apartment, they discovered Javier Quiroz with evident signs of gunshot trauma.
Further investigation by homicide detectives revealed a grim sequence of events. Turner had reportedly become aware that his girlfriend was visiting Quiroz. In a fit of rage, he went to the apartment and kicked in the door. Once inside, he shot Quiroz multiple times. Turner then allegedly threatened his girlfriend with the weapon, preventing her from leaving before she was eventually able to escape and find help. Turner was subsequently booked into the Pima County Jail on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault and kidnapping.
Javier Quiroz was a student at the University of Arizona, where he was studying biomedical engineering. His death was mourned by his family, including his father, mother, and sisters.
