Luis Mendez-Armenta

Luis Mendez-Armenta, a Hispanic man remembered by his family as a caring, loving, and cherishing protector, was 33 years old when his life was taken. Known affectionately as "My Baby Brother" and "My Tio" by his loved ones, Luis was also described as a loving and caring son, and the "Best Cousin and Friend." A graduate of Carl Hayden High School, his death left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, a family now mourning both him and his sister, Carla.

The afternoon of Thursday, June 26, 2025, was shattered by gunfire in the Maryvale neighborhood of west Phoenix, Arizona. Shortly before 3 p.m., police received calls about a shooting at the Morada Rise apartment complex, a residential community located in the area of 67th Avenue and Indian School Road. When officers from the Phoenix Police Department arrived, they found a grim scene in the parking lot. Two men had been shot multiple times.

One victim, 36-year-old Mario Martinez, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Phoenix Fire Department. The second man, Luis Mendez-Armenta, was found with critical injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his wounds and passed away. The shooter, or shooters, had already fled the area, leaving investigators with a double homicide case and a community stunned by the brazen daytime violence.

The Phoenix Police Department immediately launched an intensive investigation. Detectives cordoned off the large apartment complex, canvassing for witnesses and searching for any evidence that could shed light on what happened and why. The initial hours and days were critical as police worked to piece together a timeline of events and develop leads on the person responsible for the killings. The motive for the shooting was not immediately clear to investigators.

A few days later, the investigation yielded a significant development. On Monday, June 30, 2025, the Phoenix Police Department publicly identified a person of interest they wanted to speak with regarding the double homicide. They named 34-year-old Emmanuel “Manny” Rojas as an individual investigators believed had information about his potential involvement in the shooting. Authorities released his name and photo, asking for the public’s help in locating him but issuing a strong caution not to approach him.

Despite this public appeal and the identification of a person of interest, the case has grown cold. As of the latest available reports from July 2025, no arrests have been announced in connection with the murders of Luis Mendez-Armenta and Mario Martinez. The whereabouts of Emmanuel Rojas remain unknown, and it is unclear what, if any, progress has been made in the investigation since he was named. The families of both victims are left waiting for answers and for justice to be served.

The case remains an open and active investigation for the Phoenix Police Department. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the shooting or the location of Emmanuel Rojas to come forward. A reward of up to $2,000 is available through Silent Witness for tips that lead to an arrest. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish speakers.