Suspect in fatal birthday party stabbing in Phoenix indicted for 2nd-degree murder

PHOENIX – The suspect in a fatal birthday party stabbing in west Phoenix has been indicted for second-degree murder, authorities announced Wednesday.

Hunter Strawbridge, 29, is accused of killing 29-year-old Jake Carbonell on Jan. 25, per the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Officers responded to a stabbing call in a neighborhood near 75th Avenue and Broadway Road around 10 p.m., according to the Phoenix Police Department.

They found three people, including Carbonell, with apparent stab wounds.

A man and a woman were treated and released, but Carbonell succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, police said.

What lead up to birthday party stabbing in Phoenix?

According to prosecutors, Carbonell was hosting a child’s birthday party when he learned that Strawbridge threatened a female relative with a knife.

After Strawbridge was asked to leave, a fight started outside the house. Carbonell was stabbed in the neck during the altercation.

Strawbridge fled the scene, but police tracked him down and took him into custody.

On Feb. 4, a grand jury indicted Strawbridge on the following charges:

• Second-degree murder
• Aggravated assault (two counts)
• Disorderly conduct
• Tampering with physical evidence

The suspect is being held on a $1 million bond, and his trial is scheduled to start in June.

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