A 49-year-old woman has been charged with murder in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred in downtown Phoenix on December 15, 2025. Police identified the suspect as Lupe Teresa Perez, who was already being held on an unrelated charge when investigators received anonymous tips tying her to the attack.
The victim, 29-year-old Jaquail Dillard, was found unresponsive near Roosevelt Street and Central Avenue around 10 p.m., according to Phoenix police. Emergency crews from the Phoenix Fire Department attempted life-saving measures, but Dillard later died from his injuries.
Detectives say Perez admitted during questioning that she was responsible for the stabbing. The motive has not yet been disclosed, and investigators have not said whether the victim and suspect knew each other.
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare to move forward with formal court proceedings.
