A 21-year-old Arizona man has been charged with second-degree murder after police say he fatally shot a 22-year-old man during an argument at a Phoenix gas station. Investigators said the victim and the suspect were strangers, and the deadly encounter occurred only hours after the victim had celebrated his birthday with family and friends.
According to Phoenix police, Jaheime Rashard Brown, 21, was arrested in connection with the death of Julio Angel Osife Diaz, 22, following the shooting in the early morning hours of July 18.
Officers Responded to Early-Morning Shooting
Police said officers were dispatched shortly before 2:30 a.m. to a gas station near 16th Street and Thomas Road after receiving reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Osife Diaz suffering from a gunshot wound.
Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, but he later died from his injuries.
Authorities said Brown remained at the scene after the shooting and was detained by responding officers.
Police Say Argument Between Strangers Turned Deadly
According to detectives, Brown approached Osife Diaz at the gas station and confronted him.
Police said an argument followed between the two men before Brown allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Osife Diaz.
Investigators have not released details about what sparked the confrontation or what the two men argued about.
Authorities emphasized that the victim and the suspect did not know each other before the encounter, describing it as a deadly dispute between complete strangers.
Brown has since been charged with second-degree murder.
Family Says Victim Had Just Left His Birthday Party
Relatives told local Fox affiliate KSAZ that Osife Diaz had spent the evening celebrating his birthday with family and friends before the shooting.
According to his family, he was enjoying the celebration and later left to visit his uncle.
During the trip, he stopped at the gas station where the fatal confrontation occurred.
Family members said Osife Diaz was attempting to defend his girlfriend when the argument escalated into gunfire. Police have not publicly confirmed those details as part of the investigation.
Loved Ones Remember Young Man With Bright Future
Family members described Osife Diaz as a kind, caring young man who was devoted to his loved ones.
His mother, Bianca Vilasto, said her son loved playing basketball and always put family first.
“He loved to play basketball. He was very family-oriented. He’s very traditional,” Vilasto told KSAZ. “He would never cause harm to anybody. He was just starting his life.”
Relatives said they are struggling to cope with the sudden loss of a young man whose life had only just begun.
Mother Calls for Justice
Vilasto said the pain of losing her son will remain with the family forever.
She described the emotional toll of the tragedy as a life sentence for those left behind and said she hopes the person accused of killing her son is held fully accountable.
“I just hope that we find justice,” she said.
Heartbreaking Reflection on Everyday Moments
While speaking about her son, Vilasto became emotional as she reflected on the ordinary moments she will never experience again.
Through tears, she said one of the hardest realities is knowing she will never again hear him greet her in the morning.
“I’m never going to be able to walk and hear my son come out of his room and say, ‘Good morning, mom,'” she told the television station.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Brown remains charged with second-degree murder as the criminal case moves forward.
Phoenix police have not released additional information regarding the events leading up to the shooting or whether surveillance footage and witness statements have provided further insight into the confrontation.
The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare the case, while Osife Diaz’s family continues mourning the loss of the 22-year-old, whose birthday celebration ended in tragedy just hours before the fatal encounter.
