Suspect in West Valley shooting faces murder charge after victim dies

PHOENIX – The suspect in a West Valley shooting last month faces a first-degree murder charge after the victim died a week later, authorities announced Tuesday.

Roger Diaz, 23, is accused of shooting 35-year-old Isaiah Rivera on Sept. 19 in Surprise, according to the Surprise Police Department.

Officers responded to a home near Greenway Road and Grand Avenue around 11:30 p.m. and found Rivera with a gunshot wound.

They performed life-saving measures until the Surprise Fire-Medical Department arrived and took Rivera to a hospital in critical condition.

Investigators identified Diaz as the suspect and took him into custody on Sept. 23. He was booked into jail for aggravated assault causing physical injury, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharging firearm in city limits and disorderly conduct with a deadly weapon.

Why did West Valley shooting become a murder case?

Rivera died of his injuries on Sept. 27. Police then worked with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to add the first-degree murder charge against Diaz, whose bond was set at $1 million.

Police didn’t say what led up to the West Valley shooting. However, they did say the men knew each other and it wasn’t a random act of violence.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 623-222-4000 or 623-222-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted via email.

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