A Phoenix man has been charged with second-degree murder after police say he fatally shot his father during an argument over being removed from an apartment where he had been staying.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, 28-year-old Joseph Gabriel Peixotto allegedly shot his father, 50-year-old Joseph Elmer Peixotto, inside the Acero North Valley apartments in Phoenix, Arizona.
Investigators say the shooting occurred after an argument related to the younger man being asked to leave the apartment.
Incident
Police said Joseph Gabriel Peixotto had gone to the apartment to collect personal belongings that were being stored in a roommate’s bedroom.
According to the affidavit, the roommate told officers that Joseph Gabriel Peixotto arrived shortly before the witness was preparing to go to sleep.
The witness stated that the defendant explained his father was “kicking him out” of the apartment.
Authorities said an argument later broke out between father and son near the bedroom doorway.
According to investigators, Joseph Elmer Peixotto then noticed his son holding a firearm and responded by saying, “What, you gonna shoot me?”
The roommate told police that moments later, two gunshots were heard.
Witness Account
After hearing the shots, the roommate reportedly found Joseph Elmer Peixotto lying on the floor with gunshot wounds to the chest.
The witness immediately contacted emergency services.
According to the affidavit, the roommate then asked Joseph Gabriel Peixotto why he shot his father.
Investigators stated that the suspect responded in comments captured during the 911 call.
“The victim was going to ‘beat my a—,’” the defendant allegedly said in the background of the emergency recording.
Police noted in court documents that the witness did not hear any physical fight before the shooting occurred.
The roommate also reportedly told investigators they did not hear either man make direct threats before gunfire erupted.
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Joseph Gabriel Peixotto, 28 |
| Victim | Joseph Elmer Peixotto, 50 |
| Location | Acero North Valley apartments, Phoenix |
| Charge | Second-degree murder |
| Reported Motive | Argument over eviction |
| Bond | $1 million |
Police Response
Phoenix police officers responded to the apartment after receiving the 911 call and took Joseph Gabriel Peixotto into custody at the scene.
Authorities attempted to interview him regarding the shooting, according to the affidavit.
However, investigators stated that he requested an attorney during questioning, and officers stopped the interview at that point.
Police have not publicly released additional information about how long the dispute between father and son had been ongoing or whether there had been prior incidents between them.
Charges
Joseph Gabriel Peixotto was booked on a charge of second-degree murder.
Under Arizona law, second-degree murder generally involves intentionally causing the death of another person without premeditation.
Court records show he is being held on a $1 million bond as the criminal case proceeds.
Prosecutors have not yet announced whether additional charges could be filed.
Investigation
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing witness statements and physical evidence collected from the apartment.
Authorities have not indicated whether surveillance footage, forensic evidence, or additional witness testimony may be presented in future court hearings.
The affidavit suggests investigators are focusing heavily on the sequence of events immediately before the shooting, including the verbal confrontation and the absence of a physical altercation.
Legal experts note that statements captured during 911 calls can become important evidence in homicide cases because they may document a suspect’s reactions or explanations shortly after an incident occurs.
Context
Domestic disputes involving family members remain among the more complex types of homicide investigations for law enforcement agencies because they often involve ongoing personal conflicts, housing instability, or emotional confrontations.
In this case, investigators allege the argument centered on Joseph Gabriel Peixotto being removed from the apartment where he had been staying.
Authorities have not publicly stated whether the suspect legally owned the firearm used in the shooting.
The case is expected to move through the Arizona court system in the coming months as prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare for future hearings.
FAQs
Who was charged in the Phoenix shooting?
Joseph Gabriel Peixotto was charged with murder.
Who was the victim in the case?
Joseph Elmer Peixotto was fatally shot.
Where did the shooting happen?
It occurred at Acero North Valley apartments.
What charge does the suspect face?
He faces a second-degree murder charge.
What is the suspect’s bond amount?
The court set bond at $1 million.
