Teen sentenced to 14 years in prison for deadly 2025 road rage shooting

A 17-year-old was sentenced to 14 years in prison for a 2025 road rage shooting that left 45-year-old Porfirio Medina dead, officials announced.

Henry Gonzales was originally charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, committing a drive by shooting and being a minor carrying a firearm. However, he pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

“A brief confrontation on the road ended with a man dead and a teenager facing years in prison. One reckless decision changed two families forever,” County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in an announcement. “This sentence sends a clear message: when you choose gun violence, we will hold you accountable.”

In August 2025, Medina, who was riding a scooter, approached the passenger side of Gonzales’ car at a red light near Seventh Street and Buckeye Road after the two nearly collided.

Prosecutors said that is when Gonzales, who was 15 years old at the time, lowered the window and fire a single shot that struck Medina in the chest.

Gonzales fled the scene and Medina was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Authorities identified Gonzales as the shooter using surveillance footage, license plate readers and cell phone location data.

While be interviewed, Gonzales admitted he had illegally obtained the firearm several days before the shooting. He also confessed to selling the gun afterward because he was afraid he would use it again.

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