Phoenix police arrested a 17-year-old suspect Friday morning in connection with the April 17 homicide of his 18-year-old cousin near Interstate 17 and Dunlap Avenue in Phoenix. According to authorities, the suspect fled from Wickenburg police, leading to a high-speed pursuit and crash near Loop 101 and Grand Avenue before he was taken into custody.
The suspect, a 17-year-old male, is accused of fatally stabbing his cousin, 18-year-old Elijah Johnson, on April 17 near Interstate 17 and Dunlap Avenue in Phoenix, according to Phoenix Police. Following the homicide, authorities said the suspect fled from Wickenburg Police Department officers attempting to apprehend him early Friday morning, prompting a high-speed pursuit that extended into the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the chase reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour before ending in a crash near 101st Avenue and Grand Avenue.
After the crash, the suspect reportedly abandoned his vehicle and initially evaded capture. Phoenix Police confirmed the suspect later turned himself in Friday morning following a manhunt that had lasted several weeks. Records show he was booked into a juvenile correction center on murder charges after questioning. A woman and juvenile passengers who were in the vehicle during the crash were detained, but no information regarding injuries was released, according to DPS officials.
In connection with the case, Phoenix Police arrested the suspect’s mother, 45-year-old Tanyelle Williams, on charges of hindering prosecution. Authorities said she was accused of hiding her son to avoid his arrest during the weeks-long search. Police records and video transcripts referred to her as both Tanyelle and Danielle Williams. She was booked by Phoenix PD following her arrest, officials confirmed.
Authorities emphasized that the pursuit and crash near Loop 101 and Grand Avenue were unrelated to any burning car incidents previously reported in the area. The DPS described the chase as beginning in Wickenburg and concluding in the Valley, with officers from multiple agencies involved in the effort to apprehend the suspect. After the crash, officers reportedly issued commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle during the search operation.
The homicide investigation remains active, with charges filed against the juvenile suspect. Phoenix Police identified the victim as Elijah Johnson and confirmed the familial relationship between the victim and suspect. The case is being handled within the juvenile justice system. Further details about the investigation or court proceedings have not been released.
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