Late on the night of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Norberto Ruiz, 37, was found on a sidewalk near Gilbert and Broadway roads in Mesa, Arizona, suffering gunshot wounds. Scott McCracken, also 37, was found at the same scene with similar life-threatening injuries. Both men were rushed to a nearby hospital and died of their wounds.

Mesa Police determined the two had exchanged gunfire; investigators say evidence indicates McCracken shot at Ruiz first and Ruiz returned fire. Authorities do not believe the shooting was random and say no other suspects are being sought, though detectives continue to investigate what led to the confrontation. Ruiz, known to family as Chacho, is remembered as a devoted father of two sons and a beloved family member.

If anyone has information about Ruiz, McCracken, or the events that led to this shooting, please share what you know with investigators.