A suspect in custody after fatal midnight shooting in Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A 43-year-old man was shot overnight Saturday, October 12th.

Tucson police said they responded to reports of the shooting near Francisco Elias Esquer Park on 14th Avenue just after midnight. Officers found the injured man on the eastern edge of the park.

The Tucson Fire Department transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

After searches and interviews, TPD investigators believe a verbal argument between the victim and another group escalated into violence. The others involved had already left the scene before the officers arrived.

During their investigation, investigators identified a likely member of the group as 29-year-old Johnny Esparza and arrested him without incident at a downtown bar.

Esparza was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated robbery.

Investigators know the victim’s identity but do not plan to release it until the man’s next of kin have been notified. The investigation is ongoing.

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