17-Year-Old Arrested in Connection with Meadows Murder—Fourth Suspect Detained

Detectives from the Maricopa Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit investigated a murder scene on Dancer Lane in Maricopa Meadows just after midnight on November 23. A fourth suspect, a 17-year-old boy, has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 16-year-old during an armed robbery that occurred on November 22.

Monica Williams, a spokeswoman for the MPD, reported that witnesses saw a group fleeing the scene. “The group met with two individuals under the pretext of purchasing vape cartridges,” she explained. “During the incident, the juveniles, armed with handguns, assaulted the sellers. In the course of the robbery, one suspect discharged a firearm, fatally wounding a fellow juvenile involved in the crime.”

Previously, InMaricopa noted that the murder was linked to an armed robbery. Isaiah Bandin, 15, faces charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery for the death of Esteban Valenzuela. Bandin and a 15-year-old girl were arrested on November 28, while a third suspect, a 16-year-old boy, was taken into custody on December 4.

Bandin appeared before a Pinal County Superior Court judge last week. Court records indicate he was advised in juvenile court to plead not guilty to the serious charges. According to the documents, Bandin threatened victim Sergio Michael Munoz, 16, with a firearm before the weapon was discharged during the robbery.

Currently, Bandin is detained at the Pinal County Youth Justice Detention Center on a cash bond of $1 million. He was indicted on the highly serious charges on December 9.

Williams stated, “The juveniles involved in the armed robbery may face felony murder charges, as the death occurred due to their participation in a dangerous and unlawful act. This will be determined by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office.”

As for the most recent suspect, the 17-year-old is now in custody at the Pinal County Juvenile Detention Center, although authorities have not disclosed the specific charges against him.