A dedicated and talented athlete, Andrew Baltazar Torres was a young man from Phoenix, Arizona, whose life was defined by discipline and love for his family. Born on April 3, 1998, Andrew, known to some as "Drew," was a gifted wrestler. He made his mark at Marcos De Niza High School, where he was a three-year varsity wrestler and a three-time state placer. In his senior year, he achieved an impressive 57-1 record, became a US Open Greco All-American, and secured a second-place finish at the state championship. His passion for the sport continued after high school, taking him to Arizona State University, where his brother Alex was also on the Sun Devil wrestling team, South Mountain Community College, and finally Arizona Christian University.
Those who knew Andrew remember a person with an unforgettable smile who was quiet, loyal, caring, and adventurous. A friend from childhood recalled him as "the kindest, sweetest boy I’ve known."
On a memorial page, his father wrote, "Missing you so much Son! Love Dad," while another loved one added, "Our hearts are forever broken." He was a beloved son and brother to Alex and Tony, and he had expressed plans to pursue a career in both wrestling and fire safety after finishing college. His life was full of promise, built on a foundation of hard work and close family ties.
The promise of Andrew’s future was violently extinguished on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. On that summer day, the 23-year-old Hispanic man was shot and killed in his hometown of Phoenix. Publicly available information regarding the specific circumstances of his death is exceptionally scarce. The exact time and location of the fatal shooting have not been released by authorities, leaving a painful void of information for his community and loved ones. It is unknown what led to the gunfire, whether there were any witnesses, or where exactly Andrew passed away.
The investigation into Andrew B. Torres's homicide is being handled by the Phoenix Police Department. However, in the years since his death, there have been no public announcements regarding the case. Details about potential suspects, persons of interest, or a motive have not been shared. The silence surrounding the investigation has been frustrating and deeply painful for a family and community seeking justice and answers. The case remains unsolved, one of many that leave families waiting indefinitely for a sense of closure.
In the days following Andrew's tragic death, his family and friends gathered to honor his memory. A visitation was held on June 30, 2021, at Funeraria Del Angel Greer-Wilson Chapel. The following day, July 1, a funeral service took place at St. Gregory's Catholic Parish, followed by a graveside service at Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, where he was laid to rest. These services were a testament to the many lives Andrew had touched in his short time.
The search for justice for Andrew Torres continues. His family and friends are left to grapple with the immense loss of a young man who was just beginning to build his life. Heartbroken messages on a memorial page reflect their enduring grief and love: "i miss you always & i will love you forever," and "The world needed more people like you." As of late 2026, his murder remains unsolved, with no arrests made and no suspects publicly identified. The case stands as a quiet but urgent appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
