On the night of July 31, 2014, Augustine Valenzuela, a 53-year-old Hispanic man, was killed during a violent home invasion at his family residence near 41st Avenue and Maryland Avenue in Phoenix. Three intruders entered the home during the overnight hours and confronted Valenzuela in the den. His wife and children heard the disturbance, approached, and were forced to the ground at gunpoint while the attackers beat and stabbed Valenzuela.

Family members attempted to help and one son called 911 while Valenzuela’s wife tried to stop the bleeding. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Phoenix police processed the residence and opened a homicide investigation but were unable to make an immediate arrest.

Detectives continued the case as a cold homicide, seeking to identify the three people who entered the home and the motive for the coordinated invasion. If anyone has information about the attack or the individuals involved, please share what you know with investigators.