A string of shootings across Mesa and Phoenix in May 2023 left four people dead and one woman wounded. The attacks began on a Friday afternoon and continued into the next morning. Authorities say the same 9mm handgun was used at multiple scenes after matching ballistic evidence.

One of the victims was 40-year-old John Swain, who was homeless. Swain was found near railroad tracks in Mesa after a brief conversation with the suspect in which Swain said he was not from the area; he was shot in the head. Police say the interactions between the suspect and victims were random and short.

Police arrested 20-year-old Iren Byers on a trespassing charge; court documents say Byers then confessed, led officers to the 9mm handgun and to the clothing he wore, and told investigators he didn’t summon medical help because he felt the victims didn’t deserve it. Byers was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.

If anyone knew John Swain or has information about his movements in Mesa in May 2023, please come forward.