In the evening of Tuesday, February 9, 2016, a single gunshot shattered the quiet of a Phoenix neighborhood near 16th Street and McDowell. In the backyard of his girlfriend's home, 34-year-old Santiago Bravo was struck by a bullet in the back. A neighbor, hearing the shot, promptly called the police at approximately 8:15 p.m.
Though grievously wounded, Santiago Bravo managed to move from the backyard towards the street before he collapsed.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but the injury proved fatal. He left behind a large family, including his seven children and his girlfriend, who were left to mourn his sudden and violent death. His mother, Maria Bravo, later made a public plea for any information that could lead to the capture of the person responsible for her son's death.
In the days and weeks that followed, the Phoenix Police Department investigated the homicide. They offered a reward for any information that could lead to an arrest in the case, encouraging witnesses to come forward and contact Silent Witness. However, despite the ongoing investigation and the family's pleas for justice, no arrests have been publicly announced in connection with the shooting. The suspect, or suspects, responsible for the death of Santiago Bravo remain unknown. The case stands as a painful and unresolved chapter for a family still seeking answers.
