A 28-year-old man has been accused of shooting and killing his father during an argument at a north Phoenix apartment complex earlier this week, according to police and court records.
Phoenix police said officers responded to a reported shooting shortly after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Acero North Valley apartments near Dove Valley Road and North Valley Parkway.
When officers arrived, they ordered people inside one of the apartments to come outside. Police said Joseph Gabriel Peixotto exited the unit and was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
Inside the apartment, officers discovered 50-year-old Joseph Elmer Peixotto suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation
Phoenix homicide detectives later determined that the shooting happened during an argument between the father and son.
According to court documents, a roommate living at the apartment called 911 after hearing the confrontation escalate.
During the emergency call, Joseph Gabriel Peixotto could reportedly be heard in the background saying his father “was going to assault him.”
Investigators later searched the apartment and found a black semi-automatic handgun in a holster on the kitchen counter.
Police also recovered two shell casings inside the apartment – one located near the victim’s foot and another found in a bathroom.
Authorities have not publicly released additional details regarding what led to the dispute.
Witness
Court records state that the roommate had recently moved back into the apartment and had returned from vacation the evening of the shooting.
According to investigators, the roommate told police that Joseph Gabriel Peixotto arrived at the apartment to collect personal belongings that were being kept in the roommate’s bedroom.
The roommate reportedly said the younger Peixotto told him his father was forcing him to move out of the apartment.
The witness then heard the father and son arguing in another room.
According to court filings, the roommate recalled hearing the older Peixotto ask, “What, you gonna shoot me?”
Moments later, the roommate reportedly heard two gunshots and saw the victim collapse.
The witness later asked Joseph Gabriel Peixotto why he had shot his father.
Court documents state the suspect responded by saying his father “was going to beat my ass.”
Arrest
Police said Joseph Gabriel Peixotto declined to answer investigators’ questions after his arrest and requested an attorney.
He was later booked into jail on one count of second-degree murder.
Court records show his bond was set at $1 million.
Under Arizona law, second-degree murder charges involve intentionally causing another person’s death without premeditation.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing evidence and witness statements connected to the shooting.
Evidence
Investigators collected several pieces of evidence from inside the apartment following the incident.
| Evidence Recovered | Description |
|---|---|
| Handgun | Black semi-automatic pistol |
| Shell casing | Found near victim’s foot |
| Second casing | Located in bathroom |
| 911 call | Included statements from suspect |
Police have not indicated whether the weapon recovered at the scene belonged to the suspect or the victim.
Authorities also have not released information about any prior domestic incidents involving the family.
Community
The shooting shocked residents at the apartment complex and added to growing concerns surrounding domestic disputes that escalate into violence.
Family-related homicide cases often involve ongoing tensions, arguments, or personal conflicts that intensify over time, according to criminal justice experts.
Police have not announced whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation proceeds.
For now, Joseph Gabriel Peixotto remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings in Maricopa County.
FAQs
Where did the Phoenix shooting happen?
At the Acero North Valley apartments in north Phoenix.
Who was killed in the shooting?
Joseph Elmer Peixotto, the suspect’s father.
What charge does the suspect face?
One count of second-degree murder.
What evidence did police recover?
A handgun and two shell casings were found.
Did the suspect speak to investigators?
No, he requested an attorney.
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