Suspect identified, arrested after fatal stabbing in north Phoenix

PHOENIX — The suspect in an April 8 stabbing in north Phoenix was identified and arrested Friday, according to authorities.

Romano Smith, 36, was booked into jail on one count of murder after killing another adult man following a fight.

Officers responded around 1 p.m. to the stabbing near Cactus Road and Black Canyon Highway, the Phoenix Police Department said.

The victim, 32-year-old Steven Martin Salas, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Homicide detectives said preliminary information showed that Salas and Smith were fighting before the stabbing.

The suspect had fled the area before officers arrived, police said.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on April 8, 2026.

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