A family gathering in Phoenix ended in tragedy on the night of January 14, 2024, when 15-year-old Daniela MacKenzy Espinosa was fatally shot inside a home near 7th Avenue and Broadway Road. A 17-year-old male, described as a close family friend who had been living at the house intermittently, began handling a firearm and multiple shots were fired. Daniela, sitting on the couch in the front room, was struck twice in the stomach and later died at a local hospital. Another family member was shot in the foot and suffered a non-life-threatening injury.

Phoenix police detained and arrested the 17-year-old at the scene and recovered the firearm; he was referred to the Juvenile Court Center on second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and weapons charges. Family members said they initially thought the shooting might have been accidental and continue to question the motive, saying they had welcomed the teen into their home.

Daniela was a ninth-grader at NFL Yet College Prep Academy who enjoyed music, volleyball, and basketball and leaves seven siblings. About 100 people attended a candlelight vigil outside her home; the school held a balloon release and made a donation to help with funeral expenses. Does anyone have information about that night or the people who were at the gathering?