Tragic Turn: Brother of Cesar Chavez Football Player Drowns, Then Victim of Shooting; Two Arrested and Released

Omega McDaniels, a 21-year-old man, was shot and killed early Tuesday morning in south Phoenix. Two men taken into custody have claimed that the shooting was an act of self-defense, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire near 19th Avenue and Buckeye Road shortly after 4:30 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered McDaniels suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The police identified two suspects and apprehended them shortly after the incident. Both men maintain that they acted in self-defense during the encounter. Following initial questioning, the suspects were released, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Once complete, the findings will be sent to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review. No further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting have been made public.

McDaniels is remembered as the brother of Christopher Hampton, who tragically drowned in Show Low Lake in 2023 while attending a football camp with teammates from Cesar Chavez High School. The pair share the same name as their father, Omega McDaniels.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as new information emerges.