Phoenix, January 12, 2026
A domestic dispute in central Phoenix turned deadly on a recent Sunday night when a man was fatally stabbed. Police responded quickly to the scene, detaining one man while an investigation into the incident continues. This incident is part of a worrying trend of increasing violence in the area, with other recent stabbings and domestic violence cases also under investigation. Local authorities emphasize the importance of reporting such events and are utilizing legal frameworks to address domestic violence effectively.
Phoenix
A domestic dispute in central Phoenix on Sunday night, January 11, 2026, tragically escalated into a fatal stabbing, resulting in one man’s death. Phoenix Police Department officers responded to reports of a stabbing near 17th Place and Cambridge Avenue around 11:46 p.m. Upon arrival, authorities detained one man and discovered another adult male suffering from at least one stab wound. The victim succumbed to his injuries. The Phoenix Police Department is actively investigating the incident.
Ongoing Investigations and Recent Incidents
This incident follows closely on the heels of other recent violent crimes in the Phoenix area. In a separate case, 19-year-old Frank Joseph Martinez was arrested and booked on murder charges following an early New Year’s morning stabbing in south Phoenix on January 1, 2026, that left 34-year-old Gilbert Ray Ayonayon II dead. Witnesses identified Martinez at the scene, and he was taken into custody after returning to the location. Homicide and Night detectives are continuing their investigation into the New Year’s Day incident.
Phoenix Police Department detectives were also called to investigate the stabbing death of 29-year-old Jaquail Dillard near 1200 North Central Avenue, downtown Phoenix, late Monday night, January 11, 2026. Officers responded to an unknown trouble call of an unresponsive man just after 10:00 p.m. Dillard, found with a stab wound, was pronounced deceased at the scene despite emergency lifesaving care from Phoenix Fire personnel. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the suspect or the circumstances leading to Dillard’s death to contact Silent Witness anonymously.
Additionally, a 24-year-old woman, Kiara Tyler, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal collision near Vail, Arizona, in January 2025, which led to the death of 61-year-old Vernie Garrison. Garrison’s body was found in his pickup truck after it collided with a train. Investigators determined that Garrison’s injuries were not consistent with a typical accident, leading to Tyler’s charges. This case highlights the complexities of some investigations, where initial incidents can uncover deeper criminal acts.
Broader Context of Domestic and Violent Crime in Arizona
These recent events underscore the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Arizona regarding domestic disputes and violent crime. Legal frameworks exist at the state level to address such issues, including Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-3601, which defines domestic violence as violent, forceful, or threatening actions by a family or household member that cause physical harm or instill fear for safety. Such actions can include detention, stalking, or sexual assault. Orders of Protection are available as a critical tool to prevent further abuse, requiring abusers to cease contact and stay away from victims.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) serves as the central repository for various types of records related to such incidents, supporting ongoing investigations and legal processes. [cite: Records Request | Department of Public Safety] Victims of crime in Arizona can also receive support from the Attorney General’s Office through litigation notification and victim advocates stationed in Phoenix and other locations. [cite: Serving AZAG Crime Victims | Attorney General’s Office]
Efforts to combat and prevent crime are continuous across Arizona. For example, Governor Katie Hobbs declared January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month to raise awareness and expand services for survivors and victims throughout the state. The state remains committed to being a zero-tolerance state for all forms of human trafficking, holding traffickers accountable, protecting victims’ rights, and restoring survivors’ freedom and dignity.
Furthermore, the Arizona Judicial Branch provides resources and information for family law matters, domestic violence info, and victim support, including a Crime Victims’ Center. These resources are crucial for individuals seeking protection and justice within the Arizona legal system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened in central Phoenix on January 11, 2026?
- A domestic dispute in central Phoenix on Sunday night, January 11, 2026, escalated into a fatal stabbing, resulting in one man’s death. Phoenix Police Department officers responded to reports of a stabbing near 17th Place and Cambridge Avenue around 11:46 p.m.
- Has an arrest been made in the central Phoenix stabbing on January 11, 2026?
- Upon arrival, authorities detained one man in connection with the fatal stabbing.
- What was the outcome of the New Year’s morning stabbing in south Phoenix?
- In a separate case, 19-year-old Frank Joseph Martinez was arrested and booked on murder charges following an early New Year’s morning stabbing in south Phoenix on January 1, 2026, that left 34-year-old Gilbert Ray Ayonayon II dead.
- What are the details of the Jaquail Dillard stabbing in downtown Phoenix?
- Phoenix Police Department detectives were called to investigate the stabbing death of 29-year-old Jaquail Dillard near 1200 North Central Avenue, downtown Phoenix, late Monday night, January 11, 2026. Dillard, found with a stab wound, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
- What is the status of the Kiara Tyler case?
- A 24-year-old woman, Kiara Tyler, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal collision near Vail, Arizona, in January 2025, which led to the death of 61-year-old Vernie Garrison.
- What legal protections exist in Arizona for domestic violence victims?
- Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-3601 defines domestic violence and provides for Orders of Protection as a critical tool to prevent further abuse, requiring abusers to cease contact and stay away from victims.
Key Features of Recent Violent Incidents in Phoenix (State-level)
| Incident | Date/Time | Location | Victim(s) | Arrest(s) / Status | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatal Sibling Stabbing | Sunday night, January 11, 2026, around 11:46 p.m. | 17th Place and Cambridge Avenue, central Phoenix | Adult male (unidentified) | One man detained | Domestic dispute between brothers. |
| New Year’s Day Stabbing | Early New Year’s morning, January 1, 2026 | 12th Place and Southern Avenue, south Phoenix | Gilbert Ray Ayonayon II (34) | Frank Joseph Martinez (19) arrested on murder charges | Stabbing incident, suspect returned to scene. |
| Jaquail Dillard Stabbing | Late Monday night, January 11, 2026, just after 10:00 p.m. | 1200 North Central Avenue, downtown Phoenix | Jaquail Dillard (29) | Suspects sought | Found unresponsive with stab wound, pronounced deceased. |
| Kiara Tyler Murder Charge | January 2025 (arrest for incident leading to death) | Near Vail, Arizona | Vernie Garrison (61) | Kiara Tyler (24) arrested on second-degree murder charge | Fatal collision linked to assault, Garrison’s injuries not consistent with typical accident. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Phoenix Heroism: Officer Saves Lives in Apartment Blaze
Toddler Shot in South Phoenix; Suspect Arrested
Vigil Held in Phoenix for Shooting Victim of ICE Agent
Fatal Shooting Involving ICE Officer and Arrest of Tribal Officer Raise Concerns
2026 WM Phoenix Open Set to Captivate Golf Fans
Phoenix Police Intensify Search for Third Shooting Suspect
Armed Domestic Violence Suspect Shot by Glendale Police
Phoenix Reels from Fatal Downtown Shooting of Teen
Child Hospitalized After South Phoenix Shooting Incident
The Thunderbirds Make a Significant Impact on Arizona Charities
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
