In the late evening hours of October 22, 2023, the life of a 31-year-old Black / African American man, Abashe Agwuazim Mathis, was tragically cut short in Phoenix, Arizona. Around 10:20 p.m., Phoenix police officers were dispatched to the vicinity of 54th and High streets in the northeast part of the city after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Mathis suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
Emergency services transported him to a local hospital, but his injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced deceased.
Phoenix police detectives immediately began an investigation into the homicide, treating it as a significant and serious crime. In the initial stages, details surrounding the specific events leading to the shooting were limited, and authorities reached out to the public for assistance. They encouraged anyone with information to come forward and contact Silent Witness, offering the potential for a cash reward for tips that could lead to an arrest in the case. The community was impacted by his passing, with many expressing condolences for his family and friends.
For nearly a month, detectives diligently worked the case, gathering evidence and following leads. Their persistent efforts eventually established probable cause to identify a suspect. On November 20, 2023, the investigation culminated in the arrest of 28-year-old DeAngelo Robinson. Robinson was taken into custody and subsequently booked into jail on multiple felony charges, including a charge of murder, in connection with the death of Abashe Mathis.
