In the late afternoon of May 4, 2016, the life of 15-year-old Sephaul Booker, a Black male, was tragically cut short in a deadly shooting in Tucson, Arizona. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. in the 3700 block of East 4th Street. Tucson police responded to multiple reports of a shooting and, upon arrival, discovered Sephaul in the parking lot of a duplex with at least one gunshot wound.
Despite the quick response of law enforcement, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the young man's death began immediately. Detectives initially sought two Caucasian or light-skinned Hispanic males in their late teens or early twenties who were seen in a white or light-colored small to mid-size sport utility vehicle. Friends and family were left reeling from the loss, remembering Sephaul as a quiet, funny, and generous individual with much potential. A candlelight vigil was held in his honor outside St. Marks Presbyterian Church, where those who knew him gathered to mourn and share stories. Some who knew him acknowledged he had faced some troubles, but they also spoke of his brilliant side.
After a lengthy investigation, a primary suspect was identified as Tristan Beardsley. On November 14, 2017, the 19-year-old was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Task Force without incident on the east side of Tucson. Beardsley was booked into the Pima County Jail and faced serious charges, including First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Robbery, and Aggravated Assault. However, the judicial process ultimately led to a different outcome. Beardsley was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for manslaughter, with credit for 223 days already served.
