Man Arrested in Connection with Stabbing Death of Local Man

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Police investigate a scene related to a violent crime in Phoenix.

News Summary

Daymon French, a 21-year-old, has been arrested for the second-degree murder of Johnny Vaughn, who died from stabbing injuries in Phoenix. French evaded capture for over a year before being identified during a traffic stop. In a separate case, three suspects have been apprehended in the murder of food vendor Heriberto Acosta, highlighting ongoing violence in the area and the importance of community safety and vigilance as investigations continue.

Phoenix – Daymon French, a 21-year-old man, was arrested on May 14, 2025, in connection with the stabbing death of 43-year-old Johnny Vaughn, which occurred on October 16, 2023. French faces charges of second-degree murder following the tragic event that left Vaughn with critical injuries.

On the day of the stabbing, Vaughn was dropped off at a local hospital located near 39th Street and Bell Road. The vehicle that transported him fled the scene shortly after leaving Vaughn, who later succumbed to his injuries and died during treatment. Phoenix Police Sgt. Brian Bower later confirmed Vaughn’s identity as the victim.

After the stabbing incident, investigators were unable to locate French or establish contact with him for over a year and a half. However, a breakthrough occurred on May 12, 2025, when officers conducted a traffic stop and identified French, subsequently linking him to Vaughn’s death. Following this identification, French was arrested and booked into a Maricopa County jail.

In a separate but related law enforcement operation, the Phoenix police also announced significant progress in the investigation of another violent crime: the murder of food vendor Heriberto Acosta. Acosta was fatally stabbed on February 17, 2024, as he was closing his food truck near 35th Avenue and Van Buren Street.

Authorities have apprehended three suspects in connection with Acosta’s murder, namely Cameron Patterson (33), Montel Reed (32), and Cyrus Reed (36). Witness accounts indicate that multiple men exited a vehicle and engaged in a confrontation with Acosta and other food truck employees, leading to the stabbing. Following the attack, the assailants escaped in the same vehicle from which they had emerged, prompting a rapid criminal investigation.

As the investigation continues, police have not disclosed a possible motive behind Acosta’s murder. Authorities are actively seeking additional information and evidence regarding both cases to ensure further prosecutions and to foster community safety.

The recent developments surrounding the arrests of French and the suspects in Acosta’s case bring attention to the ongoing issues of violence in the Phoenix area. These incidents highlight the importance of community awareness and the role of law enforcement in addressing violent crime effectively.

Both cases are significant as they relate to the broader themes of public safety and the impact of violent crime on the community. As investigations progress, the Phoenix community is urged to stay vigilant and report any information that may assist in these ongoing inquiries.