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Tucson Police Homicide Detectives have solved the murder of 15-year-old Erik Isaac Nañez, who was shot and killed in September of 2019 on Tucson’s Southside.
Initially, detectives had asked the public for information and carried out several interviews and search warrants in hopes of revealing what led to the fatal shooting. Early on in the case, detectives investigated several tips that named possible suspects; however, there was no evidence to support their involvement. Through follow-up interviews and forensic evidence, detectives learned that Erik Nañez had been in the area the night of the shooting to meet someone for an arranged transaction. The investigation remained active in the following months, but a suspect had yet to be identified.
On February 21, 2021, TPD responded to a fatal shooting in the parking lot of an apartment complex, located at 5950 S. Park Avenue. During the investigation, TPD Homicide Detectives learned that 19-year-old Edsel Cecena-Marquez and several other individuals were involved in a physical confrontation in the parking lot. In the moments following the confrontation, Mr. Cecena-Marquez and another individual exchanged gunfire. Cecena-Marquez was shot during the exchange and ultimately died at the scene. Investigators were able to speak with witnesses to include the reported shooter. Once detectives completed their investigation, their findings were presented to the Pima County Attorney’s Office for review. After reviewing the circumstances, no charges were brought forward in Cecena-Marquez’s death. From their investigation, detectives had recovered several pieces of evidence, to include trace DNA. In examining and comparing evidence from both cases, detectives identified Cecena-Marquez as the suspect in Erik Nañez’s murder.
Detectives have notified Erik Nañez’s family of their findings and the investigation will be considered closed. A previous booking photo of Mr. Cecena-Marquez and the original media release from 2019 are listed below.
Edsel Cecena-Marquez
__________Sergeant Pete Dugan – September 19, 2019_________
The Tucson Police Department is actively investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Tucson’s South Side.
On September 18, 2019, at approximately 6:00 a.m., officers from Operations Division South were dispatched to the intersection of E Calle Joya de Ventura and South Avenida Selva Del Ocote (Campbell and Drexel area) for reports of a deceased male lying on the ground. Upon arrival, officers located the victim who appeared to be a juvenile teenager. The victim had obvious signs of gunshot trauma and was sadly pronounced deceased on scene.
Detectives with the Tucson Police Homicide Unit responded to continue the investigation. Details are limited at this time, but detectives believe multiple people were present when the shooting took place. Neighbors told detectives that gunshots were heard the previous evening (09/17/19) and several people and vehicles were seen leaving immediately after the shots. No 911 calls were made that night. Detectives are currently following up on leads, but are asking anyone with information to please call 88-CRIME. You can remain anonymous.
The victim was identified as 15-year-old Erik Isaac Nañez. Next of kin have been notified.
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