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Pima County authorities say two of the three suspects connected to the fatal shooting of Tucson Police recruit Carlos Ramirez have been located. One suspect has been arrested, while investigators continue working to determine the involvement of another person and search for a third suspect who remains wanted.
Ramirez, 23, was shot and killed inside his home in the 7700 block of South Enchanted Spring Drive near Valencia Road and Camino Verde early Wednesday, Aug. 19. His pregnant fiancĂ©e, a Pima County Sheriffâs Department corrections officer, was also injured during what investigators described as a home invasion. She and her unborn child are expected to survive.
Breaking Pima County shooting investigation continues
The first suspect arrested was identified as 39-year-old Santiago Jorge Rogers. Authorities located Rogers Aug. 22 at a hotel near the 4800 block of South Palo Verde Road on Tucsonâs south side.
Rogers appeared in Pima County court that night. He faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault. A judge ordered him to have no contact with the surviving victim or Ramirezâs family. Rogers is being held at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex without bond.
His next court appearances are scheduled for Aug. 27 for a no-bond hearing and Sept. 1 for a preliminary hearing. The charges remain allegations, and court proceedings will determine the next steps in the case.
Shocking details emerge from court records
An interim complaint provides additional details about the moments before the shooting. According to the document, Ramirez told his fiancée to retrieve a gun from a safe after two masked men were seen outside the bedroom.
The complaint states that Ramirez fought with both masked individuals before shots were fired. Investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive, and authorities continue examining evidence, surveillance footage and the relationships among the suspects.
The second suspect has also been located, according to the Pima County Sheriffâs Department. Detectives are still working to determine that personâs role in the homicide, and no arrest had been announced for that suspect at the time of the latest update.
Alex James Barnett remains wanted
Authorities are still searching for 33-year-old Alex James Barnett, who is wanted on a first-degree murder arrest warrant in connection with Ramirezâs death. The 6-foot-2, 315-pound Barnett has brown eyes, black hair and tattoos on both arms.
Investigators said Barnett was last seen riding a 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHXS motorcycle with Arizona license plate D4A656. He was reportedly wearing a red shirt and black leather vest. His tattoos include marijuana leaves, dollar signs, skulls and baby footprint designs marked with the date 10-09-09.
The 88-CRIME program is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to Barnettâs arrest. Officials urged anyone who recognizes him, knows where he may be or has relevant surveillance video to contact law enforcement immediately.
Critical surveillance footage reviewed
The Pima County Sheriffâs Department released video showing Barnett and the other suspects at different times and locations. One recording came from a Shell gas station on West Valencia Road, about three miles from the crime scene. Barnett and another suspect were seen there shortly before the home invasion.
A separate recording near Palo Verde and 33rd Street showed another suspect several hours after the shooting. Investigators believe the person may have abandoned the vehicle used in the crime in a nearby parking lot, roughly 30 minutes from the home.
Authorities later released a clearer description of that suspect. The man reportedly has gray hair, a goggle band on his glasses and a watch or bracelet on his left wrist. He was seen wearing light-wash or gray jeans and red, orange and white Nike high-top shoes.
Community mourns fallen recruit
Ramirez had completed 23 weeks of training at the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center. He was scheduled to graduate from the academy on Aug. 27. The Tucson Police Department said his death has deeply affected his classmates, instructors, academy staff, family and the wider law enforcement community.
Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto called the shooting a tragic loss and asked the public to share any information with authorities. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos also said the incident has affected agencies and families throughout Southern Arizona.
Neighbors in the Star Valley area described hearing sirens and seeing a large emergency response early that morning. Some residents said they feel uneasy because the suspects were not immediately captured, while others offered security footage and information to investigators.
A GoFundMe organized for Ramirezâs fiancĂ©e said she was 31 weeks pregnant and expected to recover. The family also has two other children. Friends and colleagues have remembered Ramirez as a determined recruit who wanted to serve his community.
Frequently asked questions
Who was killed in the Pima County shooting?
Carlos Ramirez, a 23-year-old Tucson Police recruit, was fatally shot at his home on Aug. 19.
Who has been arrested?
Santiago Jorge Rogers, 39, was arrested Aug. 22 and faces first-degree murder and aggravated assault charges. He is being held without bond.
Who is still wanted?
Alex James Barnett, 33, remains wanted on a first-degree murder arrest warrant, according to the Pima County Sheriffâs Department.
Is there a reward for information?
Yes. The 88-CRIME program is offering up to $2,500 for information leading to Barnettâs arrest.
