Phoenix authorities have announced a significant development in a homicide case that had remained unresolved for more than three years. A 28-year-old man is now in custody after investigators say he made statements implicating himself in the fatal shooting of a woman at a central Phoenix park in early 2023.
The victim, 29-year-old Karissa Hamilton, was discovered with a gunshot wound late on the night of February 5, 2023, at Steele Indian School Park. Emergency crews pronounced her dead at the scene after responding to reports of an injured person just after 11 p.m.
Despite an initial investigation, leads in the case eventually ran dry, prompting detectives to transfer the file to the department’s Cold Case Homicide Squad. For months, Hamilton’s family publicly sought answers, describing her loss as deeply felt—especially by her young son—and urging anyone with information to come forward. A reward was also offered in hopes of generating new tips.
The case took a turn on March 27, when officers encountered the suspect during an unrelated investigation. During questioning, police say the man made remarks that tied him to Hamilton’s death. Detectives later determined that he had been in a relationship with the victim at the time of the shooting.
He has since been booked on a charge of premeditated first-degree murder, along with additional unrelated offenses. Authorities say he remains in custody on a $2 million bond, with a preliminary court appearance scheduled for early April.
Investigators are continuing to gather details and are asking anyone with further information about the case to contact Phoenix police or submit tips anonymously through Silent Witness.
