Investigations continue after man was found dead near south Phoenix landfill

Police still investigating after man was found dead near south Phoenix landfill

The investigation began after police were called to the Rio Salado Landfill, located near 7th Avenue and Magnolia Street, on May 30. Officers on scene later found the body of a man believed to be in his early 40s just outside the landfill entrance. FOX 10's Justin Lum reports.

PHOENIX - Police say a man was found dead after officers responded to reports of a shooting in south Phoenix.

According to police, the investigation is underway on May 30 at the Rio Salado Landfill, after officers were called out to the scene, located near 7th Avenue and Magnolia Street.

"When they got there, they found a man lying on the ground just outside the entrance to a landfill. The man was deceased from what appeared to be a gunshot wound," read a portion of a statement released by police.

"I didn't think anything of it, so I just continued on my way home," said Manny Romero, on May 31, recounting what he say on May 30.

Romero is next door to the property where the victim was found.

"Definitely not normal. It's surprising," said Romero. "I actually found [out about] the news through my brother-in-law because he sent me a little article clip, and I was just, like, ‘oh man. This is crazy. I was just there this morning.’"

The landfill is crowded with salvaged vehicles and heavy machinery, Employees in the area said, off camera, that the focus of the homicide investigation was in the back of a property, an area that holds several different businesses.

The land is almost an acre that has been divided into several, separate dirt lots. A man who says he rents space in the area said individuals rent the lots to run businesses, like salvage or car parts, or to store vehicles. The area has no surveillance.

Police have identified the victim, but they are waiting to notify the victim's next of kin before releasing his identity to the public. The victim was reportedly in his early 40s. There is no suspect description available.

"It's shocking. Any time you hear of someone dying, that's the shock value for me personally," said Romero, who said he is considering security measures. At the moment, he does not have security cameras pointed at where the crime unfolded.

Anyone with information should contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Spanish speakers can call Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO.

Si tiene alguna información sobre este caso, llame a la línea de Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446).

Silent Witness

https://www.silentwitness.org/