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Police: Man dead, two injured in Ajo Way shooting

thumbnail_Luis Tapia Jr..jpg
Posted at 1:17 PM, Aug 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-11 23:05:57-04

TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson police arrested a man on murder charges in connection to a Monday night shooting.

Police say a woman called 911 to report that her fiancé, 28-year-old Marco Orantez, had been shot outside in the 1600 block of West Ajo Way. The woman also reported she was driving Orantez to Banner University Medical Center (South) and advised that there were other victims at the scene.

Shortly after Orantez arrived at the hospital, he died. Next of kin has been notified.

Officers responded to both the hospital and the shooting scene.

According to police, no other shooting victims were found.

Officers investigating the scene were informed that a second gunshot victim arrived at St. Mary’s Hospital, according to TPD. The adult male victim was taken to Banner University Medical Center (Main) with life-threatening injuries.

Homicide Detectives detective were called to scene and while being briefed on the incident, a third gunshot victim arrived at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Police say the third adult male victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

A fourth adult male victim was also at the hospital, but was not injured.

According to witness and victim interviews, the incident started over a neighbor dispute. Orantez and several of his friends were working on a car outside the home. Neighbor 34-year-old Luis Tapia Jr. was upset about where the car was parked, which ensued an argument.

Police say Tapia retrieved a handgun from his residence and shot at Orantez and his friends.

Three of the four victims were hit by gunfire.

Later, Tapia was found at his residence, where he was interviewed by detectives and a search warrant was obtained for his home.

According to TPD, detectives found the handgun they believe was used, along with an illegally modified shotgun.

Tapia was arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on one count of First-Degree Murder, three counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and one count of Weapons Misconduct.