Mesa, Arizona — Apolinar Altamirano, a 39-year-old man serving a lengthy prison sentence for the 2015 murder of a convenience store clerk, has died at a hospital, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections. Authorities announced his passing on April 19, 2025, while investigations by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner are ongoing to determine the cause of death.
In 2022, Altamirano was sentenced to more than 38 years for fatally shooting Grant Ronnebeck, a 21-year-old clerk at a local QuikTrip. The case drew significant attention and reignited discussions about immigration policy in the United States, as Altamirano was an undocumented immigrant facing deportation proceedings at the time of the incident.
The murder raised complex questions that resonated nationally, particularly as the victim’s father, Steve Ronnebeck, became involved in advocacy efforts linked to immigration reform, aligning his story with campaigns organized by those who lost family members to violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. This advocacy placed a personal face on a contentious debate, illustrating the intersection of crime, immigration, and policy.
Legal maneuvers in the Ronnebeck case attracted considerable scrutiny. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office sought the death penalty for Altamirano, leading to multiple hearings and lengthy appeals that stretched over several years. The complexities of the case reflected broader societal tensions surrounding crime and immigration, making it a focal point in the media and public discourse.
As investigations continue following Altamirano’s death, the community is left to grapple with the legacy of this tragic incident. The implications of the case remain significant, as they touch on issues of justice, accountability, and the ongoing national dialogue surrounding immigration and crime.
Details from Altamirano’s passing remain scarce, with no immediate information about the circumstances leading to his hospitalization or death. The focus turns now to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s findings as they progress with their investigation.
The tragic events surrounding Grant Ronnebeck’s death and the legal battles that ensued have left lasting scars on his community. As stories of loss intertwine with systemic discussions of policy, the memory of Ronnebeck continues to resonate, prompting reflection on justice and the human impact of legislation.