A late-night confrontation outside a Phoenix-area restaurant ended with a 29-year-old man dead, and police are now investigating who was responsible.
Phoenix police responded around 11:50 p.m. Saturday to reports of a stabbing near 24th Avenue and Thomas Road. Officers found Lonnie Shepherd Jr. on the ground outside the business with at least one stab wound.
Phoenix Fire Department crews took Shepherd to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said preliminary information indicates Shepherd was involved in an altercation with an unidentified person shortly before the stabbing.
Homicide detectives and night detectives responded to the scene as investigators worked to piece together what happened. Police have not released a description of the suspect or provided additional details about the circumstances leading up to the confrontation.
Anyone with information can contact Phoenix police or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Witness. The investigation remains active as detectives work to identify the person involved and determine what led to the deadly encounter.
