In a significant breakthrough, detectives and professional staff investigators from the Tucson Police Department (TPD) Central Investigations Division have arrested four suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Erin Jones, a University of Arizona student. This development follows a six-week-long investigation involving nearly 200 interviews and extensive evidence processing.
The Investigation
The investigation into Erin Jones’s death has been intense and multifaceted. The tragic incident occurred early in the morning on April 28, 2024, when officers responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a shooting in the 3200 block of E. 5th St. Upon arrival, they found Erin Jones with gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical intervention, she was pronounced dead at Banner University Medical Center. Another adult female and two additional victims were also treated for gunshot injuries.
Over the course of the investigation, one of the weapons used in the shooting was recovered on May 8 during a separate aggravated assault investigation. This recovery proved crucial in identifying the suspects involved in Erin Jones’s shooting.
Identification and Arrest of Suspects
On June 14, 2024, detectives identified 18-year-old Estevan Garcia as a suspect. He was apprehended in the area of S. Midvale Park Rd. and W. Drexel Rd. during a traffic stop conducted by TPD Community Response Teams and the TPD SWAT team.
Further investigation led to the identification of three additional suspects: 17-year-old Tevion Matthew Beale, 17-year-old Marcus Ian Williams, and 17-year-old Akeem Alvarez. Over the weekend of June 15 and 16, Community Response Team officers and SWAT personnel worked diligently to locate these individuals.
- Tevion Matthew Beale was taken into custody on June 17, 2024, near E. Golf Links Rd. and S. Pantano Rd.
- Marcus Ian Williams was apprehended at a residence on W. San Juan Trail the same day.
- Akeem Alvarez was located and arrested on June 18, 2024, at a residence on E. Mesquite Flat Springs Dr. in Pima County.
All four suspects have been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Drive-by Shooting.
Surveillance and Motive
According to the detectives, the suspects were identified as the shooters from a vehicle seen in surveillance footage released to the public on May 14. The investigation suggests that the suspects targeted the party location on 5th Street to confront another group not associated with the University of Arizona students present at the event.
Ongoing Investigation
The TPD acknowledges that there are still outstanding parties related to this incident. The investigation remains active as detectives continue to seek information and pursue additional leads.
Community and Law Enforcement Collaboration
The TPD extends its gratitude to the Pima County Attorney’s Office, specifically Major Crimes Bureau Chief Mark Hotchkiss, 88-Crime, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the University of Arizona Police Department. The cooperation and support from the Tucson community members who provided critical information have been invaluable in advancing the investigation.
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact 9-1-1 or 88-CRIME. Tips can be provided anonymously.
