The Tucson Police Department is actively investigating a homicide that occurred last night in Santa Rita Park.
On May 3, 2016, just after 8:30 p.m., officers from Operations Division West, the K-9 Unit and the Air Unit responded to Santa Rita Park at 401 East 22nd Street reference a report of an assault victim. The K-9 officers were first on scene and located an adult male victim with obvious signs of trauma. Members from the Tucson Fire Department arrived on scene a short time later and rendered aid to the victim. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene. At the same time, witnesses pointed out to officers an adult male and adult female walking away from the scene that were possibly involved. The Air Unit located the pair and another K-9 officer was able to detain them without incident.
Detectives from the Tucson Police Department Homicide Unit and Night Detectives Unit responded to the scene to continue the investigation. They learned the victim and the male detained were acquaintances and had previous arguments and physical fights. Last night, the victim observed the male sitting with a female on a concrete bench at Santa Rita Park. The victim approached the couple and an argument ensued. The argument escalated into a physical fight between the two men. During the course of the fight the victim was stabbed by the male.
The victim’s identity is being withheld, pending next of kin notification. The male detained was identified as 34-year-old Phillip Lewis Jr. He was arrested for Second Degree Murder along with an outstanding felony Probation Violation Warrant. He was transported and booked into the Pima County Jail. His booking photograph has been provided.
The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone who might have been at the park and did not speak with police or anyone with information to please call 911 or 88-CRIME.