PHOENIX — The resident of a Phoenix group home has died after they were allegedly shot by one of the home's other residents, authorities say.
Reports of a shooting were made to police at about 2 a.m. near 19th Avenue and Mountain View Road, resulting in officers finding a wounded young man, later identified as T’revonsay Sales, at a nearby group home.
He was rushed to the hospital and treated for life-threatening injuries but later died from his injuries, police say.
The group home consists of multiple units occupied by residents between the ages of 16 and 20. Police say the victim and suspect were both residents of the facility.
The suspected shooter has been detained by police and no other suspects are outstanding at this time, police say.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation.
The group home is licensed through the Arizona Department of Child Safety and a spokesperson for the agency said they're working with law enforcement on investigating Thursday's shooting.
"The safety of the youth and children in our care is our top priority," the spokesperson said. "Immediately after we were notified this morning, we began providing additional services to ensure the other youth at the facility were safe."
DCS said it has partnered with the Phoenix Police Department in the past to proactively and positively mitigate risks at this group home. North Star Independent Living Services operates the facility.
North Star issued the following statement Monday afternoon:
“In partnership with Arizona’s DCS, the safety of the young adults and teenagers in our care is our top priority. We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred and are fully cooperating with law enforcement on the investigation. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, and also to our talented staff and the other residents who knew him. We have counselors available on site for both our residents and staff during this difficult time.
As this incident involves at-risk children, we are not commenting on the events that took place or the involved individuals. All such questions are being directed to the Phoenix PD for comment.
This apartment-style independent living facility is DCS-licensed for 46 beds and has been licensed since 2015. Youth age 16-20 years old reside at the facility. North Star operates five active sites across Arizona.
We are fully compliant with all State laws and Arizona DCS rules as to staffing and security of the facility. All residents receive services as coordinated by Arizona DCS.
As with any facility that provides care for older at-risk youth, police involvement can occur. We have partnered with DCS and the Phoenix Police Department in the past to proactively and positively mitigate risks at this facility and will continue to do so.
We are extremely grateful to our talented staff as we continue our mission in partnership with Arizona DCS to help at-risk youth transition to adulthood and independent living.”
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12 News YouTube playlist here.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.