PHOENIX — A 16-year-old boy is facing adult charges in connection with a fatal shooting at a Mesa mobile home park last month, authorities announced Tuesday.
Edgar Cano Quintero was indicted last week on five felony counts, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, vehicle theft, abandonment or concealment of a body, and tampering with evidence.
Details of the Incident
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Quintero allegedly shot Victor Garibay, who was sitting in a pickup truck at a mobile home park near McKellips Road and Mesa Drive on December 18. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the shooting.
After the attack, Quintero allegedly drove off with the truck, with Garibay’s body still inside. Detectives later found the vehicle abandoned about six miles away near Val Vista Drive and McDowell Road. Garibay’s body was discovered in the passenger seat.
While canvassing the area, police located a rifle believed to be the murder weapon.
Legal Context
Under Arizona law, juveniles aged 15-17 can be charged as adults for certain violent crimes, including murder and armed robbery.
Arrest and Bond
Mesa police identified Quintero as the suspect and took him into custody on December 27. He is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.
This case underscores the severity of violent crimes involving juveniles and highlights the legal mechanisms in place for prosecuting such offenses in Arizona. Investigators continue to gather evidence as the case moves forward.