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Husband, wife identified as victims in Mesa shooting

The couple was killed Tuesday night at a complex near Power Road and Main Street in Mesa.

MESA, Ariz. — A husband and wife were fatally shot Tuesday night at an apartment complex in Mesa, police said. 

Ronnie Lazalde, 48, was found dead at about 11:15 p.m. underneath a stairwell at the complex located near Power Road and Main Street. Lazalde's 41-year-old wife, Natishia, was found near him also suffering from gunshot wounds. 

Natishia later died at the hospital, according to the Mesa Police Department.

Police said 44-year-old Johnel Trinidad has been arrested on suspicion of shooting the victims. 

Investigators suspect Trinidad had gotten into an argument with Natishia's son, which escalated to Trinidad pulling out a gun and firing at the family. 

Natishia's son retrieved a handgun and fired back at Trinidad as he ran away, police said. Trinidad sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. 

Police said Trinidad was booked into jail on two counts of manslaughter after he was released from the hospital. 

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