A late-night recreational baseball game in Scottsdale was supposed to be about teamwork and friendly competition. Instead, it ended with gunfire, flashing police lights, and a man hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. What began as a disagreement on the field has now turned into a major criminal case involving two brothers accused of carrying out an armed ambush after the game abruptly ended.
Incident
The incident unfolded around 9:40 p.m. at Salt River Fields on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. According to police, tensions rose during a men’s recreational baseball game when Joseph Dimarco became involved in a physical altercation with another player, Luis Ayala-Aponte. Umpires and teammates intervened, and the game was called off early to prevent further conflict.
Ayala-Aponte was instructed to leave the area, which he did without resistance. At that moment, it appeared the situation had been defused. Investigators say that assumption was short-lived.
Escalation
Police allege that Joseph Dimarco and his brother, Nicholas Dimarco, followed Ayala-Aponte as he attempted to drive away from the ballfields. The brothers were reportedly driving separate vehicles and worked together to block the victim’s car, trapping him with no clear escape route.
Court records state that both brothers exited their vehicles armed with handguns and ordered Ayala-Aponte out of his car. After he complied, investigators say the brothers began striking him repeatedly in the head and face with their firearms, knocking him to the ground.
Even after the victim fell, the assault allegedly continued. Police claim the brothers punched and kicked Ayala-Aponte while he lay defenseless on the ground.
Witnesses
Several witnesses attempted to step in and stop the attack, but their efforts were reportedly halted by the presence of a gun. According to the police probable cause statement, Nicholas Dimarco pointed his firearm at bystanders, forcing them to back away.
During the chaos, witnesses and responding officers reported hearing a single gunshot. That gunshot would later become a key piece of evidence in the case.
Injuries
Emergency crews transported Ayala-Aponte to Scottsdale Osborn Hospital, where doctors determined he had suffered serious injuries. These included a gunshot wound to his ear, a graze wound to the back of his neck, and a traumatic brain bleed.
Due to the severity of his condition, Ayala-Aponte was admitted for further treatment and observation. Authorities described his injuries as consistent with both blunt-force trauma and gunfire.
Arrest
Salt River Police officers arrested Nicholas and Joseph Dimarco shortly after the incident as they allegedly attempted to leave the area together in one vehicle. Officers conducted what they described as a high-risk traffic stop to take the brothers into custody.
During the arrest, police recovered two firearms. A Glock 9mm handgun was found on the floorboard near where Joseph Dimarco was seated. A Sig Sauer 9mm handgun was recovered from Nicholas Dimarco’s waistband. Investigators also located a single 9mm shell casing at the scene of the assault.
Both brothers invoked their right to remain silent after their arrest.
Charges
The allegations led to multiple felony charges for both men.
| Suspect | Age | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Dimarco | 29 | Aggravated assault causing serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with accomplices |
| Joseph Dimarco | 27 | Aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with accomplices |
During their initial court appearances, a defense attorney acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations, describing the incident as a fight that escalated out of control. The attorney also indicated that self-defense arguments may be raised later in court.
Court
Judge John T. Aragon ordered both brothers held on $50,000 secured appearance bonds. The court also imposed strict release conditions, including orders to stay away from the victim, witnesses, and the scene of the incident if bond is posted.
The brothers are scheduled to return to Maricopa County Superior Court for a status conference on July 1, followed by a preliminary hearing on July 6.
What started as a recreational baseball game ended in violence that left lasting consequences. As the case moves through the court system, it underscores how quickly emotions can escalate and how severe the outcomes can be when firearms are involved.
FAQs
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.
Who was injured in the attack?
Luis Ayala-Aponte was hospitalized with gunshot and head injuries.
What charges do the brothers face?
They face multiple felony aggravated assault charges.
Were guns recovered by police?
Police recovered two 9mm handguns and a shell casing.
When is the next court hearing?
The next hearing is scheduled for early July.
