Ricky Garza

Ricky Garza, a 26-year-old Hispanic man remembered as "the best uncle ever," was killed in Phoenix, Arizona, in the winter of 2021. His life was cut short, leaving behind loved ones who mourned the sudden and violent loss.

On the afternoon of February 5, 2021, at approximately 2:40 p.m., Phoenix police officers were dispatched to an apartment complex in the area of 7th Avenue and Interstate 17 after receiving calls about a shooting. When they arrived, they discovered Ricky Garza suffering from a gunshot injury. Personnel from the Phoenix Fire Department responded to the scene but pronounced Ricky deceased.

Detectives with the Phoenix Police Department immediately began a homicide investigation to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. Investigators worked the case for a week, pursuing leads to identify who was responsible for Ricky’s death.

Their efforts resulted in a significant development on February 12, 2021, when police announced they had made an arrest. The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Blake Porter. He was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. Following the arrest in February 2021, the case against Porter entered the judicial system, where the prosecution remains pending.