PHOENIX, Ariz. — A 28-year-old Phoenix man is facing a second-degree murder charge after he allegedly shot and killed his own father during an argument over being kicked out of an apartment — moments after the father taunted him by asking, “What, you gonna shoot me?”
Joseph Gabriel Peixotto was taken into custody by Phoenix Police Department officers at the Acero North Valley apartments following the deadly shooting of his father, 50-year-old Joseph Elmer Peixotto, according to an arrest affidavit.
What happened
According to the affidavit, the younger Peixotto arrived at the apartment late at night to collect personal belongings stored in a roommate’s bedroom. The roommate told police that Peixotto said his father was “kicking him out” of the apartment.
Shortly after, the roommate heard arguing. Looking through a partially open door, the roommate saw the father standing outside. Then came two gunshots.
The roommate found Joseph Elmer Peixotto on the floor with gunshot wounds to his chest and immediately called 911.
“He was going to beat my a—”
In the background of that 911 call, police say they captured a chilling statement from the suspect explaining why he pulled the trigger.
“The defendant made a statement, which was captured in the background of the 911 call, that the victim was going to ‘beat my a—,'” the affidavit states.
The roommate told investigators they did not hear any physical altercation or threats made by either party before the shooting took place.
Suspect invokes right to attorney
When officers arrived and attempted to question Joseph Gabriel Peixotto, he invoked his right to an attorney and further questioning ceased.
He was booked on a charge of second-degree murder and is being held on a $1 million bond.
The investigation is ongoing.
