PHOENIX, ARIZONA – A 16-year-old and a 24-year-old were fatally shot in south Phoenix last month. Recently, the cousin of the teenager was arrested for conspiracy to commit murder, according to records obtained.
Tommy Banegas, 41, was taken into custody and is now facing criminal charges related to the deaths of the two individuals. The incident took place on December 17 near 7th Street and Southern Avenue, where both victims sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Police found masks, gloves, backpacks, and firearms near the scene, as per court records.
Banegas had called 911 to report a home robbery and claimed that two masked individuals with guns had entered the garage and stolen property. However, it was later revealed that Banegas was a cousin of the deceased 16-year-old and that the 24-year-old had been living with him.
Despite denying any association with the victims, investigators discovered Facebook messages exchanged between Banegas and his cousin indicating his alleged knowledge of the planned robbery. Surveillance footage also allegedly showed Banegas fleeing from the scene of the robbery.
As a result, Banegas is now facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit burglary, in accordance with Arizona law which allows for someone to be charged with murder if they participated in a crime that resulted in a death.
In summary, a teenager and a young man were shot to death in south Phoenix, and now the cousin of the teenager is facing criminal charges related to the incident. The case continues to unfold as investigators gather more evidence to determine the extent of Banegas’ involvement in the tragic event.