Family argument leads to shooting where Phoenix man allegedly killed stepfather, injured brother

PHOENIX — An argument between family members in north Phoenix on Wednesday night led to a shooting where a man allegedly killed his stepfather and injured his brother, authorities announced Thursday.

The suspected shooter, 28-year-old Milad Rafie, originally fled from the scene near 19th Street and Bell Road, but later returned and surrendered to officers, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

He was booked into jail for second-degree murder and aggravated assault.

What led to the fatal shooting in Phoenix?

Officers responded to the shooting around 7:35 p.m. Wednesday. When they got to the scene, they found a teenage boy and a 59-year-old man who had been shot.

The boy was found next to a house, while the man, identified as Najbulla Rafie, was found lying in a road.

Najbulla Rafie was pronounced dead at the scene, while the teen was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

After speaking with witnesses, detectives learned that Milad Rafie got into an argument with his family inside their home.

The argument intensified to the point where he allegedly pulled out a gun and shot his teenage brother, according to police, who added that he then went outside and shot his stepfather, Najbulla Rafie.

Milad Rafie ran from the scene, but returned about 20 minutes later and was taken into custody, police said.

No other information was released and the investigation into this shooting is still underway.

This is an updated version of a story originally published Oct. 15, 2025. 

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