YUMA, Ariz. — A Mesa father is facing first-degree murder charges for allegedly killing his teenage son.
The Yuma County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that Jose Gallardo, 36, has been arrested in connection to the death of his son, Mario Nez, 19, of Tempe.
The investigation into Nez’s death began on Monday when he was found along the shoulder of the roadway of Interstate 8, close to mile marker 65. Officials said Nez had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Around the same time Nez's body was discovered, a crash happened on I-8, near mile marker 54. Investigators discovered one of the vehicles involved in the crash was also involved in the homicide.
Investigators began to search the crash area, believing the suspect, now identified as Gallardo, was still in the area and traveling on foot. The suspect was located in the desert, near mile marker 54, and arrested.
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also submit an anonymous tip online.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
Silent Witness:
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.