“Phoenix Man Tommy R. Banegas Faces Murder Charges After Robbery That Leads to Deaths of Underage Cousin and Roommate”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Phoenix Man Arrested in Connection with Armed Robbery and Murder of Underage Cousin and Roommate

A Phoenix man, Tommy R. Banegas, has been taken into custody and is facing murder charges after his alleged participation in an armed robbery that resulted in the deaths of his underage cousin, Mario Banegas, and his roommate, Jovani Angel Burciaga. The tragic incident occurred on December 17, and court documents provide more details about the events leading up to the shooting.

According to the court documents, officers were investigating a homicide near South Fourth Street and East Southern Avenue when they discovered Burciaga lying on the street with a gunshot wound to his face. Mario Banegas was found shot in the torso and lying on the sidewalk near a black 2006 Jeep Liberty. Tragically, Burciaga died at the scene, while Mario Banegas was pronounced dead at a hospital.

It was revealed that the Jeep Liberty belonged to Tommy Banegas, further connecting him to the crime. While detectives were at the scene, the man who later fatally shot Burciaga and Mario Banegas arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound. He claimed that he had been struck outside his home, which was where the shooting took place. The man explained that he had been robbed at gunpoint by two masked individuals and had fired at them in self-defense.

Upon further investigation, police found rifles in the Jeep, supporting the theory that the victims were involved in an armed robbery. However, court documents shed light on a different aspect of the case. Tommy Banegas called 911 and reported that he had been trying to buy marijuana when he and the dealer were robbed at gunpoint by two armed men wearing ski masks. They took his keys and cell phone before he managed to escape. Shortly after, he heard gunshots.

Intriguingly, records from Facebook revealed that Tommy Banegas had been communicating with Mario Banegas about drug dealing. A message sent just hours before the robbery discussed a plan to harm someone with a similar name to the victim. Additionally, it was discovered that Burciaga was roommates with Tommy Banegas.

Tommy Banegas was apprehended on Tuesday at a residence in south Phoenix and is currently being held on a $1 million bond. He is not only facing murder charges but also two counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, two counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary.

This is not Tommy Banegas’ first encounter with the law. Court records indicate that he has multiple felony convictions in Maricopa County, including charges of aggravated assault and armed robbery.

The preliminary hearing for Tommy Banegas is scheduled for January 19, and further updates on the case are expected to emerge during the legal proceedings. The shocking events surrounding this armed robbery and murder have left the community in disbelief and mourning the loss of two young lives.

In conclusion, the arrest of Tommy R. Banegas in connection with the armed robbery and murder of his underage cousin and roommate has sent shockwaves through the Phoenix community. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from involvement in criminal activities. As the legal process unfolds, it is crucial to seek justice for the victims and their grieving families..