2 people stopped near scene of Mesa double-homicide arrested, but not for shooting

PHOENIX — Two people detained after a double-homicide outside a Mesa nightclub over the weekend have been arrested on counts that aren’t directly related to the shooting, authorities said Monday.

They were among three occupants in a car seen speeding away from the scene near Fiesta Mall, the Mesa Police Department said. One person in the vehicle was released after being questioned.

Chinazhae Myers, 27, who police say was driving, was booked for unlawful flight from law enforcement and endangerment. Avantay Williams, 18, was booked for an outstanding warrant.

They were detained after two men were killed and two other people were injured after 2 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Lounge Soho near Southern Avenue and Alma School Road, police said.

The victims were identified Tuesday as 23-year-old Willie D’Angelo Love of Maricopa and 25-year-old Curtis Eugene West Jr. of Phoenix.

Responding officers saw a car leaving the scene at a high speed and pursued it in a fully marked patrol vehicle with lights flashing, according to court documents.

Myers allegedly drove recklessly while being chased and weaved into oncoming traffic on Southern Avenue, according to the probable cause statement for her arrest.

When her car was stopped near Southern and Westwood, Myers allegedly refused to comply with officers, who deployed a less-lethal shotgun to take her into custody.

“The defendant stated she saw my red and blue emergency lights and heard the sirens of officers behind her, but she feared police would harm her so she continued to drive,” the arresting officer wrote in the probable cause statement.

“The defendant also stated her passengers encouraged her to not to stop for police.”

The investigation is ongoing, and no potential suspects have been ruled out, police said.

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