Phoenix murder suspects indicted on multiple charges

PHOENIX — A grand jury in Maricopa County recently indicted a pair of men for a deadly shooting that took place in February, authorities said.

Arturo Vazquez-Rodriguez and Isaac Lechuga, both 19, were indicted on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, according to a Monday news release from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Their alleged crime spree led to the death of 55-year-old Naul Hernandez, an innocent bystander who was pumping gas at a QuikTrip near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road on Feb. 21, prosecutors said.

Details about deadly shooting that left 1 dead in Phoenix gas station

Vazquez-Rodriguez and Lechuga are accused of killing Hernandez after committing an armed robbery 2 miles away.

First, the duo allegedly robbed a victim at gunpoint at a QuikTrip on Camelback Road near Interstate 17 and fled the scene.

The duo then drove to the QuikTrip at 2836 N. 27th Ave., where they allegedly shot Hernandez, prosecutors said.

Although medical personnel with the Phoenix Fire and Medical Department treated Hernandez, he died on the scene, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

After homicide detectives and a tactical unit launched an extensive search for a truck associated with the crimes, authorities arrested Lechuga at his house and later took Vazquez-Rodriguez into custody near downtown Phoenix that night.

What charges are suspects in deadly shooting at Phoenix gas station facing?

The two suspects were indicted for first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Vazquez-Rodriguez is in custody on a $1 million cash-only bond, while Lechuga is being held on a $1 million secured appearance bond.

Both men are scheduled to stand trial in October.

Related

2 suspects arrested in connection with robbery attempt in Phoenix that left 1 dead2 teens arrested after allegedly robbing and shooting at an online seller in BuckeyeU.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego says he’s considering running for presidentSen. Mark Kelly proposes 2 bills to support young men and grow public serviceSR 87 reopens northeast of metro Phoenix after vehicle fireWeekend construction closes lanes on four Valley freeways