Pima County prosecutors charged three Tucson teenagers with first-degree murder in connection to a triple homicide that occurred Nov. 8 near the University area at Lakeside Park. According to Tucson Police Department officials, the shooting involved an exchange of gunfire between occupants of a vehicle and pedestrians, resulting in the deaths of three victims found the following day.
Each faces one count of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting that left three victims dead. Flores turned himself in on Nov. 30, while Riley and Rodriguez were arrested on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, respectively, records show. All three are currently held at the Pima County Jail.
The three suspects charged in the case are Filomeno Edwardo Flores, 15; Maki Dion Riley, 16; and Aaron Rodriguez, 16, according to Pima County prosecutors and Tucson Police Department (TPD) officials.
The victims were identified as Matthew Favela, 21; Carlos Ross, 16; and Amonn Sandoval, 16. TPD officials said the victims were found wounded at the scene in the west parking lot of Lakeside Park on Nov. 9, the day after the shooting. They were pronounced dead that same night. According to investigators, Favela and Ross were inside a car with two friends, while Sandoval and another person arrived on foot. A brief conversation between the two groups preceded an exchange of gunfire.
The shooting occurred on Nov. 8 near the University area of Tucson at Lakeside Park. TPD described the incident as an exchange of gunfire between occupants of a vehicle and pedestrians, resulting in multiple victims. Officers responding to the scene found the three victims wounded on the ground, according to the police news release. Initial reports did not specify whether weapons were recovered at the scene.
TPD officials have stated that the shooting is not gang-related. The department’s investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of additional charges. Detectives have ruled out connections to known local gangs such as the Get Money Gang or 29th Street Bloods, sources confirmed. The police news release detailed the arrests and charges but did not specify any additional felony counts beyond the first-degree murder charges.
Pima County prosecutors filed the charges shortly after the suspects’ arrests. TPD spokespersons confirmed the arrests and said the investigation continues to develop. The department has provided contact information for reporter Shaq Davis for further inquiries. No further details on the motive or circumstances surrounding the shooting have been released.
The triple homicide adds to ongoing concerns about violent crime in the Tucson area. Authorities continue to investigate the incident thoroughly, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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