A 22-year-old Arizona man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to the fatal shooting of a 66-year-old man in what prosecutors described as a random attack in an Avondale parking lot. The victim, Frank Vitale, had recently made plans to retire and relocate to Arizona before his life was cut short.
Sentencing
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced that Roberto Antonio Trejo was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty in April 2026 to one count of second-degree murder.
The case stems from the fatal shooting of Frank Vitale on Oct. 14, 2024, outside a restaurant in Avondale, west of Phoenix.
Shooting
According to prosecutors, Vitale had just finished lunch at Number 1 Buffet shortly after noon and was sitting inside his vehicle in the restaurant’s parking lot.
Authorities said Trejo approached the vehicle, pointed a handgun through the window, and fired before fleeing the scene.
Investigators stated that Trejo and Vitale did not know each other, and no apparent motive for the shooting has been identified.
Investigation
Surveillance video reviewed during the investigation reportedly showed a man running from the area shortly after the shooting.
Police located and arrested Trejo approximately 45 minutes later. Authorities said he was carrying a handgun when he was taken into custody.
| Investigation Timeline | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting date | Oct. 14, 2024 |
| Location | Number 1 Buffet parking lot, Avondale |
| Arrest | About 45 minutes later |
| Plea | Guilty to second-degree murder |
| Sentence | 20 years in prison |
Victim
According to prosecutors, Vitale had recently purchased a home in Arizona where he planned to live with his sister after retiring.
His obituary states that he lived on Long Island, New York, and worked at Home Depot. Family members said he was preparing for the next chapter of his life when the shooting occurred.
Defendant
Prosecutors said Trejo had been released from prison about five months before the shooting after serving time for an aggravated assault conviction.
At the time of the incident, he was on probation.
Statement
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime.
In a statement, Mitchell said no prison sentence could erase the pain experienced by the victim’s loved ones. She also noted that Trejo had previously been given an opportunity to change his behavior but instead committed another violent offense. Mitchell credited homicide prosecutor Daniel Strange for securing the conviction and said the sentence removes a dangerous offender from the community.
The case brings legal proceedings to a close, though it leaves behind a family mourning the loss of a man who was preparing to begin retirement after years of work.
FAQs
Who was the victim?
Frank Vitale, a 66-year-old Home Depot employee.
Where did the shooting happen?
In a parking lot outside Number 1 Buffet in Avondale.
What sentence did Roberto Trejo receive?
He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Did the victim know the suspect?
No, prosecutors said they did not know each other.
What charge did Trejo plead guilty to?
Second-degree murder.
