A family dispute on New Year’s Day in Mesa, Arizona, ended in homicide when 35-year-old Richard Garcia died of multiple gunshot wounds. The shooting happened just before 9 p.m. at an apartment complex near West Emerald Avenue and South Stewart. Officers found Richard critically wounded and he was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

Investigators identified the shooter as Richard’s 18-year-old younger cousin, Robert Garcia. Detectives say the two argued after Richard came to the apartment; witnesses — including Robert’s parents, sister and girlfriend — told police Richard had initiated the confrontation and that it turned physical. Robert told police Richard struck him in the head, then said he pulled out a gun and later remembered Richard stepping back, bleeding. Witnesses reported Robert praying over his cousin while his father called for emergency services. Robert was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Are there readers who knew either Richard or Robert and can share details about what led to that confrontation?