Phoenix AZ – February 19, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is the lawsuit filed by Christian Diaz Rendon’s family?
The family filed a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Phoenix and Officer Jason Valenzuela on January 26, 2026.
When and where did the shooting of Christian Diaz Rendon occur?
Christian Diaz Rendon was fatally shot on January 26, 2026, near 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in Phoenix, AZ.
What are the family’s allegations in the lawsuit?
The family alleges wrongful death, liability to the estate, assault and battery, and negligence, stating Rendon was unarmed while restraining an intruder.
Who is Edgar Ledezma Garcia and what is his legal status?
Edgar Ledezma Garcia is the alleged intruder, facing 11 felony charges including first-degree murder in a separate indictment.
The family of Christian Diaz Rendon has announced a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Phoenix and Officer Jason Valenzuela. Rendon was fatally shot on January 26, 2026, while reportedly disarming an intruder. The lawsuit alleges wrongful death and negligence. Investigations by state and local authorities are ongoing.
Family of Christian Diaz Rendon Announces Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against City of Phoenix and Officer
The family of Christian Diaz Rendon has announced its intent to file a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Phoenix and Officer Jason Valenzuela. This legal action follows the fatal shooting of Rendon by Officer Valenzuela on January 26, 2026, during a chaotic incident near 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road in Phoenix. The family’s notice of claim alleges wrongful death, liability to the estate, assault and battery, and negligence, stating that Rendon was unarmed when he was shot while restraining an alleged home intruder.
Key Details of the Phoenix Police Shooting Incident
Christian Diaz Rendon was fatally shot by Phoenix police during an intervention at his home. The incident occurred as officers responded to reports of an alleged shooter, later identified as Edgar Ledezma Garcia, firing shots at a Laveen residence and subsequently breaking in and shooting a person. Upon the arrival of officers, a struggle was underway inside the home, with Rendon reportedly on top of Garcia, actively restraining him.
Allegations of Officer Conduct and Warnings
According to the family’s claim, Christian Diaz Rendon was unarmed at the time of the shooting. Furthermore, family members present at the scene reportedly communicated to Officer Valenzuela that the alleged intruder had been subdued and disarmed. Despite these warnings, Officer Valenzuela allegedly fired a single shot into the crowded living room approximately one second after ordering individuals to show their hands, fatally striking Rendon.
What is the Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations?
Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano publicly acknowledged on February 6, 2026, that the individual fatally shot, Christian Diaz Rendon, was not the subject of the initial call and had disarmed the person who had fired shots at the home. The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the officer-involved shooting, alongside an internal investigation by the Phoenix Police Department. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case to determine if charges against Officer Valenzuela are warranted.
Separately, Edgar Ledezma Garcia, the alleged initial shooter, has been indicted on 11 felony charges, including first-degree murder under Arizona’s felony murder law, which allows for a murder charge if a death occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony.
Officer’s Prior Use-of-Force Incidents
Officer Jason Valenzuela, a five-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department, has been involved in 11 other use-of-force incidents since 2022. None of these prior incidents involved lethal force, and all were reportedly found to be within department policy.
Summary of Christian Diaz Rendon Incident and Legal Action
| Deceased | Christian Diaz Rendon |
| Officer Involved | Officer Jason Valenzuela |
| Date of Shooting | January 26, 2026, around 6:19 PM |
| Location | Near 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ |
| Legal Action | $25 million wrongful death notice of claim |
| Alleged Intruder | Edgar Ledezma Garcia (facing multiple felony charges, including felony murder) |
| Rendon’s Status | Unarmed, restraining alleged intruder |
| Police Acknowledgment | Chief stated Rendon was not the original subject and had disarmed the shooter (February 6, 2026) |
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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.
