On February 8, 16-year-old Armando Medina was arrested for the murder of 24-year-old Marquis Johnson on February 5.
According to the Mesa Police Department, on February 5, at around 9:40 p.m., several calls were received regarding “shots fired” in the area of 1230 N Mesa Drive. As officers were responding, additional information was received that there was a man, later identified as Marquis Johnson, down in the parking lot. Officers arrived and located Marquis suffering from gunshot wounds. Medical personnel responded but Johnson was pronounced deceased at the scene at 10:05 p.m.
Officers learned that Marquis and a friend were at the corner of Mesa Drive and Brown when they thought they heard a gunshot. Three men and a woman then appeared on the sidewalk close to where they heard the possible gunshot and began walking towards them. Words were exchanged between Marquis and the group which led to a physical fight. When Marquis’ friend tried to help him, a man later identified as Armando Medina, pointed a gun at both Marquis and the friend. The group left northbound with Marquis and the friend behind them. When they reached 1230 N Mesa Drive, Medina turned around and fired several shots, striking Marquis.
Detectives were able to identify Medina and the woman who was with him that night. Through their investigation, officers were led to an area where they believed the men may live or frequent.
On February 8, officers spotted three men in the area where the shooting took place. They identified Armando as one of the men in this group and detained all three. After interviewing the three men, Medina was arrested for one count of 2nd degree murder, aggravated assault, and being under 18 and in possession of a firearm.