Burglary suspect accused of killing Phoenix man, moving into his home

PHOENIX – A suspect was arrested for allegedly killing a man at his Phoenix home last month and moving into the house without removing the victim’s body, authorities said.

Neighbors of the victim, 57-year-old David Jimenez, called police for a welfare check after not seeing him for several days, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Officers responded to the neighborhood near 51st and Southern avenues in Laveen around 11:15 p.m. Monday and talked to a witness who had seen recent traffic at Jimenez’s house.

When officers tried to make contact at the residence, they saw Jimenez dead in the backyard.

Believing the home was occupied, police set up a perimeter and contacted a person inside, 18-year-old Xzavion Johnson.

Johnson eventually came out and was arrested after an extended barricade situation.

What happened after suspect was arrested in Phoenix?

Homicide detectives took over the investigation.

“During the interview of Johnson, he admitted to committing a burglary of the home, during which he shot and killed Jimenez. Johnson estimated that this occurred in December of 2025. Since the date of this homicide, Johnson had been living at the home,” Sgt. Robert Scherer said in a media advisory.

Johnson was booked into jail on counts of first-degree murder and burglary. His bond was set at $1 million.

Police said they do not think there are any outstanding suspects in the case.

The investigation is ongoing.

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