Maricopa, AZ—Detectives from the Maricopa Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit are investigating a murder that occurred in the early hours of November 23 on Dancer Lane, following the shooting death of 16-year-old Esteban Valenzuela.

Prosecutors have now identified Eliot Jackson, 17, as the second of four juvenile suspects involved. He faces charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery, alongside 15-year-old Isaiah Bandin. Both are implicated in the tragic events of November 22 in the Maricopa Meadows area.

According to reports, Valenzuela was discovered shot in his vehicle near Dirk Street and Dancer Lane. Witnesses indicated a group of teenagers fled the area shortly after the incident. Investigations revealed that the juveniles had allegedly conspired to rob another teen, 16-year-old Sergio Michael Munoz, who is known to be a cannabis dealer.

Details from the investigation suggest that when the robbery attempt failed, Valenzuela was shot. Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “Teen violence is out of hand and will not be tolerated in Pinal County.” Miller has directed his office to treat these cases with greater seriousness, stating that the suspects will face adult charges if appropriate.

Two additional teens, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, have also been charged, though their identities have not been disclosed. Their names may be released if prosecutors pursue adult charges against them. A series of high-risk traffic stops and a SWAT raid led to the arrests of the involved suspects between late November and mid-December.

Bandin was arraigned in Pinal County Superior Court after being advised to plead not guilty to his charges. Court documents indicated that he was armed during the robbery, having allegedly used threats before the weapon was discharged.

Bandin is currently held on a $1 million bond. A grand jury issued an indictment against him on December 9, while Jackson was indicted later on December 23.