Phoenix, December 31, 2025
Phoenix police are investigating a shooting incident that took place early on New Year’s Eve, where a man was shot in the face near 45th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. Fortunately, his injuries are non-life-threatening. The shooting raises concerns amidst a series of violent incidents affecting various Phoenix communities. Recent events have included road rage shootings with multiple victims, prompting calls for action regarding public safety in the region.
Phoenix
Man Shot in Face on New Year’s Eve Morning in West Phoenix
Phoenix police are currently investigating a shooting that occurred on the morning of New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, in the western part of the city. Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 3:15 a.m. near the intersection of 45th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. A man was found to have been shot in the face, though his injuries are considered non-life-threatening. Authorities have cordoned off the area to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. This shooting marks a concerning start to the final day of the year in Phoenix.
Recent Violent Incidents Mark a Troubling Trend Across the City
This latest act of violence follows a series of other significant and often tragic incidents that have impacted various Phoenix communities in recent months. Law enforcement agencies have been diligently working to respond to and investigate multiple occurrences involving firearms and violent confrontations, underscoring ongoing challenges to public safety within the metropolitan area.
Children Among Four Injured in South Phoenix Road Rage Shooting
A particularly disturbing event unfolded on November 22, 2025, in south Phoenix, where a road rage dispute escalated into a shooting that left four people injured, including two children. The incident occurred near 19th Avenue and Baseline Road around 2:45 p.m. when a driver reportedly fired into another vehicle. A man who was driving the SUV was fatally shot at the scene. Three passengers in the SUV, including a woman and two children, sustained gunshot wounds. One child was critically injured, while the other sustained stable injuries; a third child in the vehicle was unharmed. A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with this tragic event.
Fatal Shooting in West Phoenix
Just over a month prior, on November 15, 2025, an overnight shooting in west Phoenix resulted in one fatality and one injury. Police responded to the vicinity of 38th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard around 11:00 p.m. Officers discovered two men with gunshot wounds. One man, identified as 21-year-old Jose Catalan, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second man was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Homicide detectives are actively investigating this incident.
Man Killed in October Shooting Near 51st Avenue and McDowell Road
Another fatal shooting was reported on October 25, 2025, just after 5:30 a.m., near 51st Avenue and McDowell Road in Phoenix. The victim, identified as 48-year-old Delvecchio Smith, was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Police initiated an investigation to determine the details surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible for the fatal act.
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Takes Action on Past Violent Crime
In a development regarding a severe past crime, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced on June 24, 2025, that two defendants have been sentenced for a shooting that occurred in May 2023. During that incident, a man was shot 17 times while waiting for a bus near 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road. Tragically, a 6-month-old baby was also hit in the head by a stray bullet. Both victims miraculously survived their injuries. Miguel Ceja was sentenced to 21 years in prison, and Zackary Carrillo received a 10.5-year sentence after both pleaded guilty to Attempt to Commit Second-Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault. This prosecution highlights the commitment of the Maricopa County legal system to ensure accountability for violent offenders, even in cases with prolonged investigations.
The frequency of these violent incidents underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community. As Phoenix moves into the new year, authorities reiterate their dedication to maintaining public safety and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What was the latest shooting incident in Phoenix?
- A man was shot in the face near 45th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard on the morning of New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025. His injuries were non-life-threatening.
- Were children involved in any recent Phoenix shootings?
- Yes, on November 22, 2025, two children were among four people shot in south Phoenix near 19th Avenue and Baseline Road, following a road rage dispute. One adult male was killed, and a woman and two children were injured.
- When did a man die in a shooting in west Phoenix in November 2025?
- On November 15, 2025, a man identified as 21-year-old Jose Catalan was killed in an overnight shooting near 38th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard. Another man was also injured.
- Has the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office addressed recent violent crimes?
- Yes, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced on June 24, 2025, the sentencing of two defendants in a May 2023 shooting where a man was shot 17 times and a 6-month-old baby was hit by a stray bullet.
- Was there a fatal shooting in Phoenix in October 2025?
- Yes, on October 25, 2025, a 48-year-old man, Delvecchio Smith, was killed in a shooting near 51st Avenue and McDowell Road.
Summary of Recent Phoenix Incidents
| Incident Date | Location | Key Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve morning) | West Phoenix (near 45th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard) | Man shot in the face; non-life-threatening injuries. | City-level |
| November 22, 2025 | South Phoenix (near 19th Avenue and Baseline Road) | Four people shot, including two children, in road rage dispute; one adult male killed. | City-level |
| November 15, 2025 | West Phoenix (near 38th Avenue and Encanto Boulevard) | Overnight shooting left 21-year-old Jose Catalan dead, another injured. | City-level |
| October 25, 2025 | Phoenix (near 51st Avenue and McDowell Road) | 48-year-old Delvecchio Smith killed in a shooting. | City-level |
| June 24, 2025 (Announcement date) | Phoenix / Maricopa County (incident May 2023 near 43rd Ave. and Thomas Rd.) | Maricopa County Attorney announced sentencing of two defendants for a shooting where a man was shot 17 times and a baby was hit by a stray bullet. | County-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.
