In a tragic turn of events on a Sunday afternoon in January 2018, 14-year-old Jovanny Pelayo was shot and killed in Phoenix, Arizona. The incident, which unfolded near 67th Avenue and Baseline Road, was the result of a drug transaction that escalated into violence. Pelayo, a male, was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the chest.
According to police reports, Pelayo, who was armed with a stolen handgun, met with 18-year-old Robert Wells for a drug deal.
Authorities state that during the transaction, Pelayo attempted to rob Wells of drugs and money. In response, Wells reportedly shot both Pelayo and his 15-year-old accomplice. The second teenager was wounded in the arms and legs and was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
Following the shooting, Wells fled the scene in what was later identified as a stolen vehicle. Police officers spotted the car and a pursuit ensued, during which a handgun was thrown from the fleeing vehicle. The car eventually stopped, and Wells, along with three other individuals, was taken into custody.
Robert Wells was subsequently arrested and faced charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and burglary. Court documents also revealed that Wells admitted to his involvement in a home burglary that had occurred earlier the same day as the fatal shooting.
