Jacob Encinas, 37, was shot and killed after a dispute in the Airport Tavern parking lot in Casa Grande, Arizona, in the early morning of August 15, 2026. The confrontation began as a verbal altercation and escalated; Encinas suffered a single gunshot wound to his upper torso and was pronounced dead at the scene at about 1:45 a.m. Emergency responders were called to 1801 North Pinal Avenue.

Encinas was a Casa Grande resident, described as a beloved son, husband, and father of four who enjoyed music and had a quick wit that drew people to him. Police identified 21-year-old Tristen Lee Alvarez as the suspect; Alvarez had fled before officers arrived and was being sought as armed and dangerous. No arrests have been reported and the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone witnessed the disturbance at the Airport Tavern or has information about Alvarez’s whereabouts, please share what is known with local law enforcement.