Mesa High School Football Player Shot; Murder Under Investigation

A murder investigation is underway after a high school senior in was found shot to death inside a home in a Mesa neighborhood.

The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Jeremiah Aviles, a Senior at Red Mountain High School, who was just weeks away from graduation.

According to Mesa police, officers responded to reports of a shooting around 2 a.m. on May 7 to a home near Gilbert Road and University Drive. When they arrived on scene, police found Aviles dead inside the home.


At this time, it is unknown what led up to the shooting.

The school’s football team posted a tribute to Aviles on Facebook, writing “Our hearts are with the Aviles family this day and always. We mourn the loss of Jeremiah’s beautiful spirit and honor his life in the days ahead.” The Red Mountain football team is expected to hold a memorial for Aviles.

Steve Tannenbaum, principal at Red Mountain, released the following statement:

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Jeremiah Aviles, a Red Mountain senior, passed away early Sunday morning. Jeremiah was a beloved member of our Red Mountain community, and he will be missed greatly. Our thoughts are with his family.

At present, the circumstances that led to his death are unclear, and Mesa Police are actively investigating the matter.
Steve Tannenbaum – Red Mountain High School principal

The school says a crisis intervention team is at the school for any students in need.

According to Mesa Police Department officials, no suspects have been arrested. The investigation remains ongoing.