Police investigating homicide after man dies being detained during southeast Phoenix fight

A man died while being detained for a fight in southeast Phoenix last month and his death is now being investigated as a homicide, authorities announced Monday.

The Phoenix Police Department explained the probe into 36-year-old Bill Blancas’ death changed directions after detectives learned he first became unresponsive during the fight with family members.

Due to the change, police will no longer be putting out a critical incident briefing on the incident. However, to remain transparent, it released some of the bodycam footage showing Blancas being handcuffed and receiving medical treatment.

An administrative investigation is being conducted into the incident by the Professional Standards Bureau.

Details on the southeast Phoenix fight Blancas was detained for before dying

On July 28, officers were called to a home in the area of 48th Street and Baseline Road for a physical fight around 4 a.m.

When policed arrived at the residence, they found Blancas being restrained by a man and woman. They handcuffed him and then discovered he was unresponsive.

The Phoenix Fire Department responded and took Blancas to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officials noted responding officers put Blancas in handcuffs due to what they were told by the family when they arrived at the scene.

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