Delvecchio Smith, 48, was shot and killed in the pre-dawn hours of October 25, 2025, in the parking lot of the Studio 51 Extended Stay near 4800 West McDowell Road in Phoenix. Officers responded to calls about a shooting shortly after 5:30 a.m.; Smith was found with at least one gunshot wound, taken to a nearby hospital, and pronounced dead.

Detectives cordoned off the parking lot, canvassed the area and interviewed potential witnesses as the investigation opened. No arrests had been announced in the days after the shooting, and authorities described the person of interest only as an unknown male. The Phoenix Police Department and Silent Witness issued public appeals and a reward was offered for information leading to identification and arrest of the responsible party.

What did anyone in the area see or hear that morning that could help identify the unknown male?