PHOENIX, AZ – In the pre-dawn hours Tuesday, Phoenix police officers at the Maryvale Estrella Mountain Precinct encountered a scene unlike any other: a man arrived in a pickup truck, flagging officers down to inform them a deceased woman was in his truck bed—and that he was responsible for her death.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Josue Barreras Anaya, had transported the body of 32-year-old Jessica Guzman across the city rather than calling 911. Officers say the body was wrapped in a comforter and placed in the bed of Anaya’s GMC Sierra, offering a chilling testament to the aftermath of the violence that took place hours earlier.
According to investigators, the shooting occurred during the night inside Anaya’s Phoenix home. Both Anaya and Guzman were in the bedroom when, according to court filings, a handgun kept beneath the couple’s pillow fell to the floor, startling Guzman and escalating into a heated confrontation. While Anaya claims a struggle over the gun ended in two shots, only one bullet proved fatal.
Instead of immediately seeking emergency assistance, authorities allege Anaya took matters into his own hands, transporting Guzman’s body himself and driving to the police precinct. His arrival reportedly left officers stunned, as they were unprepared for the grim confession from the man standing before them.
Court records indicate standard forensic tests were administered, including checks for gunshot residue on Anaya’s hands. After preliminary questioning, Anaya requested legal representation. Police say substantial evidence, including his own admission, led to his swift arrest on a charge of first-degree murder.
Family members, now grappling with the loss, described Jessica Guzman as a devoted daughter, sister, and mother. Her brother, David Guzman, shared that relatives had tried to warn her about the potential danger lurking in her relationship. Family accounts mention periods of alleged abuse and isolation inflicted by Anaya in the past.
Jessica Guzman’s young son is left without his mother, while her extended family faces the void left by her death. An online fund has been organized to help the family cover funeral expenses and support Guzman’s child.
At last report, Anaya remains in custody at Maricopa County Jail, with bail set at $1 million. Phoenix police have not indicated whether additional charges are possible as the investigation continues. The case stands out not just for its violence, but because of the stark and public manner in which Anaya brought the tragedy to city officers—forcing a community to confront the enduring impacts of domestic violence.