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As the investigation continued into the fatal-shooting of 36-year-old Santiago Jimenez Herrera, TPD Homicide Detectives identified the suspect as 26-year-old Crist Lee Defrenchi. Detectives learned that the suspect and victim knew each other and had been in previous confrontations. A warrant for 1st Degree Murder was issued for Mr. Defrenchi’s arrest and a bulletin with his description was made public.
On August 26, 2024, information was received that Crist Defrenchi was in the area of E. Pima St. and N. Columbus Blvd. Members from TPD’s SWAT, K9 Unit, Eastside and Midtown Community Response Teams, along with Survey from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department began an extensive search for Defrenchi and monitored his travels through Tucson’s Eastside. Officers converged on the suspect in the desert as he approached Old Vail Rd. and S. Rita Rd. He was taken into custody without incident.
TPD Homicide was notified of Mr. Defrenchi’s apprehension and ultimately charged him with 1st Degree Murder. He was booked into the Pima County Jail for his warrant as well as an additional felony warrant. He is currently being held without bond. His booking photograph and the original media release are listed below.
Crist Lee Defrenchi
_______________Officer Francisco Magos – August 22, 2024__________________
On August 21, 2024, patrol officers from Operations Division East responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a shooting in the desert area, northwest of the 7400 block of S. Wilmot Road. Officers and personnel from the Tucson Fire Department arrived just before 12:15 p.m. and found a victim with gunshot trauma. The victim was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene and was identified as 36-year-old Santiago Jimenez Herrera. His family was located and notified. Officers gathered witnesses in the area and called for homicide detectives to investigate.
Detectives processed the area for evidence and completed initial interviews. They are actively pursuing leads and anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1 or 88-CRIME. You can remain anonymous. Additional updates will be provided as they become available.
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