Murder-suicide at Phoenix gas station leaves man, suspect dead: police

PHOENIX - Police say a man and a suspect are dead following a murder-suicide at a gas station in Phoenix.

Phoenix Police say the incident happened in the area of 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road. When officers arrived, they found Shane Knoll, a 30-year-old employee of the gas station, who had been shot.

In the parking lot, officers found another man who had been shot. He was identified as 40-year-old Jaime Flores.

According to investigators, Knoll and Flores got into a fight and during the struggle, Knoll pulled out a gun. Flores was able to get ahold of the gun, and he shot Knoll.

"The two men had some words. [Flores] was asked to leave the store. He did not, and that's when this altercation occurred between the two of them," said Sgt. Phil Krynsky.

Knoll, according to investigators, pulled out his own gun, but Flores got ahold of it, and shot Knoll in the gas station.

"The Fire Department responded," said Sgt. Krynsky. "They treated [Knoll]. Unfortunately, he did die from his injuries on scene."

Flores, investigators say, took his own life in thee parking lot.

"[Flores] was transported to the hospital, but later died from his injuries," said Sgt. Krynsky.

No other injuries were reported.

Help is available. If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Support in Spanish is also available. You can also chat with crisis counselors via online chat.

CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide.

Witness, victim's mother speak out

As police continue to investigate, we are hearing from witnesses in the area.

Ramon "Ray" Yslava said it was a normal day working at a business in the area until one man walked in.

"About 3:30 p.m., one of my technicians came in and said ‘this guy, he wants the keys to his truck,’" Yslava recounted.

Yslava said he knew the man did not own the truck, and believed he was under the influence.

"I could see the piece of foil and straw," said Yslava. "I said ‘Get out of here. Get out of here.’"

Yslava said he watched the man smoke near the parking lot before walking to the gas station.

Yslava says he is still shaken about all of the what-ifs.

"What if he pulled out a gun on us?" Yslava said. "He could've done that to us. I didn't know he had a gun."

On Dec. 22, we caught up with Knoll's mother, Mary.

"I can't believe it. I was praying it wasn't true," said Mary.

Mary said she found out about her son's death after she came home.

"I found out from my neighbor, who called my boyfriend to ask if he knew about the shooting at Shane's work, and my boyfriend went up there and that's how he found out," said Mary. "I found out when I got home that Shane had been shot and killed."

Mary says for the past two years, her son would routinely come home and tell her about people trying to steal and cause problems at the gas station.

"He always carried a gun because he had so many problems at work with people coming in attacking him, stealing from the business," said Mary. "He was very protective of the place he worked. He loved his job."

Now, Mary is only left with the memories she shared with her son.

"He's just a really good guy. He loved everybody. He would give me the shirt off his back," said Mary.