On Thursday January 1, 2015 officers in the area of 51st Avenue and Peoria Avenue heard apparent gunshots and responded to investigate just after 1:00 a.m. Two shooting victims were located in the parking lot of 5140 W. Peoria Avenue.
A vehicle seen leaving the area was stopped just south of Peoria on 51st Avenue and a third shooting victim was located inside of that vehicle. The Glendale Fire Department responded and treated the victims, all of whom were transported to local hospitals with life-threatening injuries. 21-year old male Keith George, of Phoenix, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. He was located by officers in the parking lot along with another 31-year old male victim. The third victim that had been located at the traffic stop is a 23-year old male.
Violent Crimes Detectives responded that night and conducted an investigation. It is believed that there had been a fight in the parking lot at this location. During the course of the fight, a subject was struck in the head with a bottle. In response, the suspect retrieved a weapon from his person and opened fire on the crowd that had gathered there.
On January 16, 2015 Violent Crimes Detectives and SWAT served a search warrant at the El Mirage home of 24-year old Steven Orozco Jr. He was arrested and booked into the Maricopa County 4th Avenue Jail one count of 1st-degree murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault and possession of marijuana.
On January 26, 2015 a Grand Jury Indictment was handed down charging Steven Orozco Jr. with 1st-degree murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault and possession of marijuana. Steven Orozco Jr. is currently being held at the 4th Avenue Jail.