5 Shot, 3 Dead Following South Phoenix Home Invasion

PHOENIX — A violent home invasion in south Phoenix turned deadly Tuesday night, leaving three men dead and two others injured. The incident unfolded around 9 p.m. on September 23 near 24th Street and Southern Avenue, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

What Happened

Police say two armed men forced their way into a home. A resident inside confronted the intruders and opened fire, striking one of the suspects. The victim retreated to a bedroom but returned after hearing a family member scream for help and fatally shot the second suspect.

During the exchange of gunfire, multiple people were struck. Three men were later pronounced dead — two believed to be the home invasion suspects and a third man found in a nearby alley, possibly attempting to escape.

Two additional victims, one discovered at a car crash near the scene and another outside a Burger King restaurant, were rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Both are expected to recover.

Police Investigation

Detectives say this was a complex and fast-moving scene, with victims found in multiple locations around the neighborhood. Early Wednesday morning, police were seen focusing on a two-car crash involving a white SUV and a white sedan near the intersection.

A man was detained for questioning, but is not currently considered a suspect. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or injured, and it remains unclear what relationship — if any — the suspects had with the residents of the home.

“As of right now, the information that I’m being told is that the two who were located inside the residence that are deceased are the suspects,” said Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez of the Phoenix Police Department.

What’s Next

The Phoenix Police Department says detectives remain on scene gathering evidence and piecing together the sequence of events.

“This is a very complex investigation,” police stated. “Any additional information remains a part of the ongoing investigation.”

How You Can Help

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish speakers. Callers can remain anonymous.