Teen shot and killed in San Tan Valley's Pecan Creek neighborhood, PCSO says
SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. - The Pinal County Sheriff's Office says a 17-year-old boy was shot and killed Tuesday night in the Pecan Creek area of San Tan Valley.
The San Tan Valley neighborhood was asked to stay inside their homes Tuesday night as authorities investigated the Pecan Creek neighborhood near Ocotillo and Ironwood roads around 5:30 p.m.
Jamiere Jenkins was found near Cambria and Cortona drives. Deputies said he was shot and died after being rushed to the hospital.
The 17-year-old suspect is in custody, and PCSO says there is no risk to the community.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb says a verbal altercation quickly escalated into the teen being shot. Lamb said an Amazon truck and Ring Doorbells caught footage of the incident. Detectives were led to where the suspect was and took them into custody, but the blue Dodge Charger remained missing.
On Nov. 29, PCSO said the vehicle was found.
"PCSO Detectives have interviewed all parties present in the suspect vehicle at the time of the shooting," the sheriff's office wrote on X. "Further investigation is required to determine if they are suspects or witnesses."
School officials issue statement
Photo of the suspect car, a blue Dodge Charger. Photo from the Pinal County Sheriff's Office
According to officials with Combs High School in San Tan Valley, Jenkins attended the school, and played on the school's football team. On Nov. 29, officials with Combs High School issued a statement on Jenkins' death.
The statement reads:
"Words cannot express our sadness and shock as we learn of the tragic death of another Combs High School student. This comes at a particularly devastating time, taking place in the wake of another recent tragedy from which our community is still reeling.
The impact of these events is not only felt deeply by our Combs High School campus, but by countless students, staff, and families districtwide whose lives have been touched by these senseless acts of violence.
This latest news only amplifies the collective grief felt by so many in recent weeks, and there is no higher priority than supporting our students and families during this difficult time. This includes the ongoing availability of our crisis team who remain on campus and on call to provide resources and support. We have also created an online resource page for parents and family members who may seek assistance in navigating communication and support of these events with their children.
We express gratitude to our law enforcement partners in their diligent efforts to arrest and charge those responsible for these crimes, and echo their encouragement in asking those with knowledge or information to reach out via their designated channels."
Area rocked by multiple teen deaths recently
This isn't the only deadly incident involving a teenager recently in Pinal County.
Not far from this tragic scene was a walk in honor of Preston Lord a month after his death. He's the 16-year-old teen who was reported to have been assaulted on Oct. 28 in Queen Creek. He died from his injuries and no arrests have been made.
In Casa Grande, two teen girls were shot at an apparent house party on Nov. 26. Hailey Stephens, 17, died from her injuries.
(Related Video) Phoenix area grappling with teen violence
Since the night of Nov. 28, two more teens have been shot and killed in the Phoenix area, with one of the victims living in San Tan Valley, which is located next to a city where police are investigating a teen's death that happened back in October. FOX 10's Linda Williams spoke with mental health professionals to learn what is happening.