Joshua James Bartley was a man remembered for his generosity, his ready smile, and a heart for others, especially military veterans. Born on October 12, 1975, in Panorama City, California, the 39-year-old was a former long-time resident of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where he had lived for about 20 years. In Lake Havasu, he worked as a plasterer and indulged his love for water sports, often working on his boat. He later moved to Phoenix to be closer to his family. His mother, Bobbie Campbell, described him as someone who never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. "Everybody that knew him just loved him," she said. Though he never married or had children, Joshua had many friends and was known for his talkative and friendly nature.
On the evening of Thursday, February 26, 2015, Joshua was found severely injured and unresponsive behind the Orange Market, a convenience store located near the intersection of North Central and West Dunlap avenues in Phoenix.
The discovery was made around 7:44 p.m. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and rushed him to John C. Lincoln hospital for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Joshua Bartley died from his injuries the next day, February 27, 2015. Authorities have not publicly released the specific cause of death or the nature of the injuries he sustained.
The Phoenix Police Department launched a homicide investigation into Joshua's death. Detectives were able to determine that in the time leading up to the attack, he was known to associate with people in the area where he was found. His mother believes that his generous spirit may have placed him in a vulnerable situation. She speculated that he was likely sharing food with homeless individuals when he was killed. "He was always there with a helping hand," she recalled. The area is known for having a significant transient population, but the circumstances surrounding the fatal assault remain a mystery.
In the years since the killing, the investigation has continued, but no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made. The case has been featured by Silent Witness, a local program that seeks the public's help in solving cold cases. Joshua's mother has made public pleas for anyone with information to come forward. "I just thought, 'This is crazy,'" she said, reflecting on the violence. "I mean, I don't understand what's going on ... how people could just be that angry." She remains convinced that someone saw something that night and holds the key to bringing her son's killer to justice.
In honor of his deep respect for those who served in the military, particularly veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Bobbie Campbell donated all of her son's belongings to veterans' organizations. His case remains an active and open homicide investigation. As of November 2023, Phoenix police were still searching for clues and asking for the public's assistance.
A reward of up to $1,000 is available for any information that leads to an arrest in the murder of Joshua Bartley. Anyone with information is urged to call Silent Witness at 480-W-I-T-N-E-S-S (480-948-6377). All callers can remain completely anonymous.
