Two teenagers are in custody in connection in the shooting death of 17-year-old Hailey Stephens.
Those arrested are a 16-year-old male from Casa Grande and a 17-year-old male from Coolidge. Both suspects were arrested without incident and booked into the Pinal County Juvenile Detention Center.
Charges for each suspect, of Murder, 2nd Degree, will be submitted to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for review.
According to the Casa Grande Police Department, officers responded to a shooting call around 1:30 a.m. Sunday near Kortsen Road and Pinal Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found two 17-year-old girls suffering from gunshot wounds.
Hailey Stephens, was taken to a Valley hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to her head, and died later that evening.
The other teen was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to her arm.
Detectives determined an altercation between an unknown number of people took place at a vacant home, where the party was being held.
“This weekend we were reminded that no community is immune from senseless acts of violence perpetrated by those with no regard for the life and safety of others. I am extremely proud of the teamwork exhibited by members of our department and our law enforcement partners,” said Casa Grande Chief of Police Mark McCrory. “Our officers and detectives worked around the clock to develop leads and conduct follow up on numerous tips. The majority of these tips came from members of our community, who recognize the importance of becoming involved and understand it oftentimes takes their information to assist in complex investigations. Although today’s arrests are a major piece of this investigation, there is still much work to be done and additional suspects to bring to justice. I would ask those with any information do what is right and contact our detectives.”
The investigation remains active. Detectives say more suspects are being sought and detectives expect to make more arrests soon.