The Mesa Police Department reports that DNA testing has connected an officer-involved shooting suspect, 36-year-old Christopher Race, to the murder of Lindsey Eastridge in a Mesa nail salon on February 2, 2018.
Race, was shot and killed by officers near Ellsworth and Baseline roads around 12:15 p.m. on Friday, March 2.
On February 2, 2018, Lindsey Eastridge was fatally attacked by an unknown male subject with a knife while at a nail salon in East Mesa. according to Mesa Police. Investigators worked diligently gathering evidence and following up on all possible leads.
The identification of the individual responsible was still unknown until on February 28, 2018, when a press release seeking the public’s assistance to help identify the individual responsible was distributed. The release contained surveillance photos and video depicting the suspect. With the assistance from Silent Witness, numerous tips were received. Several tips led investigators to focus on Race, who lived at the mobile home community at 8865 E. Baseline. This location is directly next door to the commercial plaza where Ms. Eastridge was killed.
Investigators became aware that Race had a reported history of mental illness and was known to possess numerous knives. Further investigation established sufficient evidence for Race to be apprehended.
On the morning of March 2, 2018, officers located and approached Race. At that time, Race immediately advanced towards officers while reaching for something in his waistband. They observed a knife in Race’s hands and deployed less lethal beanbag rounds. The beanbag rounds were unsuccessful as Race sprinted towards the officers with a knife continuing to pose a threat. Fearing for his life, an officer discharged his duty weapon. Medical aid was immediately performed on Race; however, he was pronounced deceased on scene.
Race’s DNA analysis was expedited through the Mesa Police Forensic Lab. Preliminary DNA results indicate a match between Race and blood evidence collected at the nail salon homicide scene. Subsequently, the Mesa Police Department executed a search warrant at Race’s residence, resulting in the collection of evidence including several knives.
Police say a motive for this crime has still not been established.