A Phoenix man is facing murder charges after authorities say an argument turned deadly in west Phoenix last month.
Prosecutors have charged Luis Antonio Garcia with second-degree murder and possession of a weapon by a prohibited possessor in connection with the May 20 shooting death of 48-year-old Joshua Fernandez.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire near McDowell Road and 59th Avenue shortly after 2:15 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots and seeing a man lying in the roadway.
When officers arrived, they found Fernandez suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators said witnesses described an argument between Fernandez and Garcia moments before the shooting. According to police, Garcia allegedly pulled out a firearm during the confrontation, shot Fernandez and left the scene in a gray vehicle.
Detectives later located Garcia at a residence in the Sun Valley area and began surveillance. Authorities said they attempted to stop him after spotting him driving west on Interstate 10 in a black Dodge Caravan. Garcia allegedly tried to evade officers, crashing into a highway median before fleeing on foot.
Police eventually apprehended and arrested Garcia following a brief chase.
Court records show Garcia’s bond was set at $1.5 million. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors move forward with the charges.
