Suspect behind bars after fatal stabbing in west Phoenix

PHOENIX – One man is dead and another is behind bars after a stabbing in west Phoenix on Sunday evening, authorities said.

Officers responded to reports of a fight in the area of 59th Avenue and Indian School Road in Maryvale around 5:10 p.m., according to the Phoenix Police Department.

A man with at least one stab wound was found at the scene. The victim, 50-year-old Rahsharil Goodson, was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, police said.

What happened after fatal stabbing in west Phoenix?

The suspect fled the scene on foot before police arrived, but officers learned which way he went and set up a perimeter to contain him.

With help from a police air support unit, officers were able to take 35-year-old Michael Espinoza into custody.

“The investigation revealed that after the confrontation with the victim, Espinoza threatened multiple people with the knife used in the stabbing before he ran from the scene,” Sgt. Rob Scherer said in a Monday media advisory.

Espinoza was booked into jail on multiple counts, including murder and aggravated assault, police said.

No other details were made available. The investigation is ongoing.

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