On the evening of April 27, 2014, 27-year-old Juan Cortez, also reported in some accounts as Juan Ortiz Canales, was found shot near the intersection of Pierce and 16th streets in Phoenix. Officers arrived about 5:30 p.m. after calls about a shooting; they and paramedics tried to render aid but his wounds were fatal.

Detectives who worked the scene could not establish a clear motive from the initial investigation, and key details about what happened remain unresolved. Investigators have described the suspect as a male between 20 and 35 years old, but no arrest has ever been announced and the identity of the shooter remains unknown.

The case grew cold in the years following the killing, and the Phoenix Police Department has asked anyone with information to come forward. If anyone knew Juan, witnessed the shooting near Pierce and 16th on April 27, 2014, or has information that could help, please share what is known with investigators.