19-year-old arrested after fatal New Year’s Day stabbing in Phoenix

PHOENIX — A 19-year-old man has been arrested after a New Year’s Day stabbing that left a man dead, authorities announced Friday.

Frank Joseph Martinez was arrested in connection with the deadly incident that took place in the area of Southern Avenue and 16th Street shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Officers who responded to reports of a stabbing in the area found 34-year-old Gilbert Ray Ayonayon II, who was injured. The Phoenix Fire Department arrived on the scene and brought him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Witnesses on the scene helped investigators identify Martinez as the suspect. He returned to the scene of the stabbing a short time after and was taken into custody, police said.

Martinez was booked into jail on various charges, including one count of premeditated first-degree murder. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond.

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