North Phoenix, January 3, 2026
A shooting in north Phoenix led to the death of one man and left another seriously injured outside a strip mall near 19th Avenue and Bell Road. The Phoenix Police Department is currently conducting an ongoing investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident and has deployed its Homicide Unit to ensure thorough and ethical procedures. Authorities are urging community support in resolving the case as public safety remains a priority.
Phoenix
Breaking News: Fatal Shooting in North Phoenix Leaves One Dead, Another Seriously Injured
A shooting incident in north Phoenix on Friday afternoon, January 2, 2026, resulted in the death of one man and left another hospitalized with serious injuries. The incident occurred outside a strip mall near the intersection of 19th Avenue and Bell Road. Phoenix Police Department officers responded to the scene, where a significant law enforcement presence was observed. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is currently underway.
Upon arrival, officers discovered one individual fatally wounded. Another man sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The area around the strip mall became an active crime scene, with numerous police officers working to secure the perimeter and gather initial evidence. Video footage captured from news choppers showed the extent of the police response at the scene.
Ongoing Investigation by Phoenix Police Homicide Unit
The Phoenix Police Department’s Homicide Unit has taken the lead in the investigation. The purpose of the Homicide Unit is to ensure the safety and security of each person in the community by conducting initial and follow-up investigations thoroughly, completely, and ethically. Detectives from the unit are available for call-out 24 hours a day to respond to such incidents. In the critical first hours after a homicide, law enforcement immediately begins gathering evidence, shaping the narrative, and determining potential charges. Their investigation typically focuses on collecting forensic evidence, such as weapons and DNA, obtaining witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and making early determinations about the mental state of any accused individuals.
Detectives are currently working to identify the individuals involved and to ascertain the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation. As is standard procedure in such cases, investigators will be meticulously processing the crime scene, collecting any potential evidence, and interviewing witnesses who may have been in the vicinity at the time of the shooting. The immediate priorities for investigators at a crime scene include rendering the area safe, ensuring victims receive medical attention, determining if a crime has been committed, and interviewing victims and witnesses separately.
Law Enforcement Response and Community Safety
The swift response by Phoenix Police highlights the department’s commitment to public safety. The initial responding officer’s actions are crucial and greatly affect the success or failure of a homicide investigation. Officers must arrive safely, defuse dangerous situations, provide medical assistance, apprehend suspects, secure the scene, and identify witnesses. The department’s Homicide Unit is organized with various squads, including response squads, a cold case squad, and a resource squad, ensuring comprehensive coverage for investigations.
While details about suspects or motives in this specific north Phoenix shooting have not yet been released, police departments across Arizona, including Phoenix, operate with established protocols for investigating violent crimes. The goal is to gather all available information to bring those responsible to justice and provide clarity to the community. The overall crime trends in Phoenix show that homicides and violent crime were down heading into 2026. However, individual incidents like this remain a significant concern for residents and law enforcement alike.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward to assist law enforcement in their efforts to resolve the case. The Phoenix Police Department continually emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in solving crimes and maintaining public safety.
Key Features of the North Phoenix Shooting Incident
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Strip mall near 19th Avenue and Bell Road, North Phoenix | Local |
| Date of Incident | Friday afternoon, January 2, 2026 | Local |
| Fatalities | One man dead | Local |
| Injuries | One man seriously injured and hospitalized | Local |
| Investigating Agency | Phoenix Police Department Homicide Unit | Local |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing | Local |
| Homicide Unit Purpose | To ensure safety and security by conducting thorough, complete, and ethical investigations | Local |
| General Homicide Investigation Focus | Forensic evidence, witness statements, surveillance footage, mental state assessments | State-level |
| Phoenix Crime Trend (2026) | Homicides and violent crime down heading into 2026 | Local |
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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.
