Authorities say two other people were injured and investigators continue to examine how all five individuals were involved.
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Three men died and two others were injured after a shooting tied to an apparent home invasion in south Phoenix late Tuesday night, prompting a large police response and a continuing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the violence.
Police said the incident unfolded near 24th Street and Southern Avenue shortly after 9 p.m. Detectives are working to determine the roles of several people involved after gunfire erupted inside and around a residence. The shooting left three men dead at multiple locations and sent two surviving victims to hospitals. Authorities have identified the deceased but continue to investigate what led to the confrontation and whether additional criminal charges will be filed.
According to investigators, officers were dispatched after reports of gunfire in a neighborhood near 23rd Street and Lynne Lane. While responding, officers encountered a two-vehicle collision nearby and discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Around the same time, a second wounded man was located outside a nearby fast-food restaurant. Detectives later connected both injured men to the shooting scene. As officers secured the area, investigators learned that two men had reportedly entered a residence. Police said at least one of the men was armed. A person inside the home responded with gunfire, setting off a sequence of events that spread beyond the residence and into nearby streets. Emergency crews rushed multiple victims to hospitals while homicide detectives began documenting evidence at several connected locations.
Investigators said two men believed to have entered the residence were found dead inside the home. Authorities reported that a resident fired at the intruders during the confrontation. Police said the resident initially withdrew during the encounter but later returned after hearing a family member calling for help. During the exchange of gunfire, a third man was also shot. His body was discovered in a nearby alley. Detectives said they are still examining his exact involvement and have not publicly detailed whether he entered the residence or attempted to flee after the shooting began. The two surviving victims were transported to medical facilities and are expected to recover. Officers detained one individual for questioning during the early stages of the investigation, but police later said that person was not considered a suspect. Crime-scene investigators spent hours processing evidence from the residence, the alley and nearby roadways connected to the case.
The shooting drew significant attention across south Phoenix because of its complexity and the number of locations involved. Investigators worked through the night to reconstruct the timeline, collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses. Police identified the deceased as David Rashad, 40, Davontae Fletcher, 20, and Steven Brooks, 23. Authorities have not publicly described the relationships among the three men or explained what events may have led them to the residence before the shooting. Neighbors reported seeing a large law enforcement presence, with streets partially closed as detectives photographed evidence and marked areas of interest. The investigation remains active, and officials have cautioned that some details released during the initial stages could change as additional evidence is reviewed and witness interviews continue.
Procedurally, detectives are expected to submit their findings to prosecutors once the investigation is complete. Authorities must determine whether the resident’s actions fall under Arizona self-defense laws or whether any criminal violations occurred before or during the encounter. Investigators are also working to establish the movements of each person involved in the minutes leading up to the shooting. Forensic specialists are examining firearms evidence, ballistic trajectories and communications records that may clarify the sequence of events. Police have not announced any pending charges and have not indicated when the investigation will conclude. Officials said additional information will likely be released after detectives complete interviews and review all available evidence. Any prosecutorial decisions will be made after investigators present a comprehensive case file.
Hours after the shooting, flashing police lights illuminated residential streets as investigators moved between several connected scenes. Residents gathered behind police tape, watching detectives photograph vehicles and document evidence markers. Family members and neighbors sought answers while officers maintained security around the neighborhood. Police officials described the incident as a tragic event that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. Witness accounts continue to be collected as investigators attempt to reconcile differing descriptions of what happened. Authorities emphasized that several aspects of the case remain unresolved, particularly the precise role of the third deceased man and the circumstances that placed the surviving victims at locations away from the residence. Detectives said those unanswered questions remain central to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities continue to process evidence and interview witnesses as the case moves forward. Investigators are expected to release additional findings after forensic testing and witness interviews are completed. For now, three men are dead, two others are recovering from injuries and several key questions remain under review.
Author note: Last updated June 23, 2026.