In July of 2016, a violent shooting at a north Phoenix apartment complex claimed the life of Jennifer Lynn Wood, a 19-year-old woman. The incident occurred at a residence near 19th and Peoria avenues when a man knocked on the door. According to court records, another man who lived in the apartment answered. The visitor, who asked for the resident by name, allegedly opened fire, striking him in the stomach.
The wounded man managed to shut the door, but the gunman continued to shoot through it. Police later found five bullet strikes in the door. During this second volley of shots, the resident was hit again, this time in the shoulder. Jennifer, who was also inside the apartment, was struck in the head. She was rushed to a hospital but later died from her injuries.
Investigators learned from another man in the home that the shooter had identified himself as 'Steven.' Surveillance video from the area also showed a man running from the scene shortly after the shooting.
A significant break in the case came a month later, after the male victim had recovered from his critical injuries. He was able to positively identify the shooter as a Glendale man named Steven Rivera.
Another witness eventually came forward, telling police they had given Rivera a ride on the night of the shooting. This witness stated that Rivera was armed at the time and later admitted to the shooting. Based on the witness testimony and the victim’s identification, authorities arrested Rivera, who was 30 years old at the time. He was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jennifer Wood, as well as attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault. Following his arrest, Rivera was held on a $1 million bond, and the case entered the court system for litigation.
