Maricopa Man’s Emotional Tribute to Slain Brother in Tucson

A man murdered in Tucson last week was attempting to overcome addiction and homelessness, according to his brother from Maricopa.

Jasper Charles Neace, 29, was fatally shot at 420 W. Prince Road shortly after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, as reported by KGUN9 Tucson.

Neace’s brother, Louie Barkley, a resident of the Heritage District, initiated a GoFundMe campaign following the shooting. By Monday, it had gathered $1,140 for funeral expenses.

“Jasper had a tough start in life, falling into drug addiction, which eventually led to incarceration,” Barkley shared with InMaricopa.

Barkley mentioned Neace was actively working to change his life and had plans to relocate to Texas for a new beginning.

“Despite his addiction and homelessness, he was striving to improve,” Barkley noted. “He kept in touch with family and went through rehabilitation, refusing to stay down and living on the streets.”

Neace, who resided in Tucson, frequently traveled north to join his brother for family card games like Phase 10 and Uno, Barkley reminisced.

“He enjoyed dressing nicely whenever possible,” Barkley said. “Even during his homelessness, he tried to make a good impression.”

Barkley added, “He wanted to rise above his circumstances and take responsibility. He had decided to live a long life, and that opportunity was taken from him.”

A memorial for Neace is expected later this week in Casa Grande, although the family is still finalizing the details.