HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
4949 SOUTH 12TH AVENUE
On January 16, 2024, at approximately 3:45 a.m., the Public Safety Communications Department received a 9-1-1 call reporting a shooting at a smoke shop located at 4949 S. 12th Ave. Patrol officers from Operations Division South were dispatched to the shooting. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, 26-year-old Michael Jerod Thurman, with gunshot trauma inside the business. Personnel from the Tucson Fire Department also arrived to the scene and pronounced Mr. Thurman deceased. His family was notified of his passing. Detectives from TPD’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and continued the investigation.
According to interviews conducted by officers and detectives, multiple individuals were inside of the business, approached Mr. Thurman, and accosted him. Mr. Thurman was physically assaulted and one of the individuals shot him. Soon after, the suspects and other individuals ran from the store. There was no indication to suggest the victim knew the suspects.
As detectives continued their investigation and reviewed forensic evidence, detectives identified three suspects and obtained warrants for their arrest. One of the suspects, identified as 18-year-old Joseph Armani Davis, was quickly located by officers from Operations Division South/Community Response Team (ODS/CRT). Davis was taken into custody with the assistance of TPD SWAT at a residence near W. Ajo Way. Investigators briefly interviewed Joseph Davis, who was then transported and booked into Pima County Jail. He was charged with Felony 1st Degree Murder and Kidnapping. He is being held on $500,000 bond.
On January 17, 2024, ODS/CRT and TPD SWAT arrested the second suspect, 20-year-old Alexander Maximus Buendia, after he was located on Tucson’s Westside near W. Fort Lowell Road. Buendia was charged with 1st Degree Murder and Kidnapping. He is currently being held without bond at the Pima County Jail.
On January 18, 2024, ODS/CRT located the third suspect, 19-year-old Fernando Valencia. He was also booked into the Pima County Jail for his warrant for Felony 1st Degree Murder.
While the investigation remains ongoing, detectives are not looking for any other suspects. Mr. Thurman’s family was notified of the arrests and the case is in the process of being finalized. Booking photos for the three suspects are attached below.
Joseph Armani David
Alexander Maximus Buendia
Fernando Valencia
|
