Gilbert, Arizona, December 27, 2025
The tragic death of a 16-year-old boy in Gilbert, Arizona has been confirmed following a shooting incident. The suspect, 21-year-old Rael Sanchez, has been arrested. The community is in shock as details emerge regarding the fatal event that occurred while the victim was visiting his girlfriend. An ongoing investigation continues to gather evidence and establish motives.
Gilbert, Arizona
Tragic Loss of Teen in Gilbert Shooting Confirmed
News emerged in the past 48 hours confirming the death of a 16-year-old boy who was shot on December 13th in Gilbert, Arizona. The shooting incident, which occurred in the 900 block of South Deerfield Lane, led to the arrest of 21-year-old Rael Sanchez, identified as a relative of the homeowner and the girlfriend’s stepbrother of the victim. Sanchez was initially booked on a charge of attempted second-degree murder, and the status of his charges is expected to be updated following the teen’s death.
Details of the December 13th Incident
The incident unfolded just before 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 13th, when Gilbert Police officers responded to reports of a shooting. They discovered the 16-year-old victim suffering from serious injuries. The teen was promptly transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his recent passing.
Investigation and Arrest of Suspect
During their investigation, authorities learned that the victim had been visiting his girlfriend at the residence when the shooting occurred. Witnesses at the scene informed police that Rael Sanchez, who was also visiting family at the home, had reportedly been acting erratically prior to the incident and was seen in possession of a firearm. After the shooting, Sanchez fled the scene in a vehicle.
Detectives from the Gilbert Police Department immediately launched an effort to locate Sanchez. He was found by Phoenix Police officers the following Sunday morning, December 14th, in connection with an unrelated incident in Phoenix. Following his release from a hospital where he was taken after being located, Gilbert Police detectives took Sanchez into custody. He was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office jail on one count of attempted second-degree murder.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local Gilbert community. Neighbors expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in their typically quiet neighborhood. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with detectives gathering evidence and statements to piece together the full circumstances that led to the fatal incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Gilbert, Arizona?
A 16-year-old boy died after being shot on December 13th in Gilbert, Arizona.
When did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred just before 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 13th.
When was the teen’s death confirmed?
News emerged in the past 48 hours confirming the death of the 16-year-old boy.
Who is the suspect in the shooting?
The suspect is 21-year-old Rael Sanchez.
What was Rael Sanchez’s relationship to the victim?
Rael Sanchez is identified as a relative of the homeowner and the girlfriend’s stepbrother of the victim.
What charges did Rael Sanchez initially face?
Rael Sanchez was initially booked on one count of attempted second-degree murder.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident took place in the 900 block of South Deerfield Lane in Gilbert, Arizona, at a residence where the victim was visiting his girlfriend.
Has a motive been identified?
The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.
Key Features of the Gilbert Shooting Incident
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Victim’s Age | 16 years old | State-level |
| Date of Shooting | December 13th | State-level |
| Location of Incident | 900 block of South Deerfield Lane, Gilbert, Arizona | State-level |
| Suspect’s Name | Rael Sanchez | State-level |
| Suspect’s Age | 21 years old | State-level |
| Initial Charge | Attempted second-degree murder | State-level |
| Death Confirmation | News emerged in the past 48 hours | State-level |
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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.
