Third Arrest Made in Meadows Homicide: 16-Year-Old Detained

Investigations into a shooting incident on Dancer Lane are ongoing as police work to piece together events surrounding the tragic death of 16-year-old Esteban Valenzuela. The Maricopa Police Department confirmed the arrest of a third juvenile linked to the case, which unfolded last month.

Initial arrests occurred on November 27, when two juveniles were taken into custody following a SWAT-assisted search at a residence in The Villages and a high-risk traffic stop at Sonoran Creek Marketplace.

Due to the ongoing investigation, police have not released specific information about the charges against the arrested individuals. However, MPD spokesperson Monica Williams revealed that a 16-year-old boy was apprehended on Wednesday, marking the third arrest associated with the homicide.

“That individual is a minor, so we cannot release their information,” Williams noted. “The charges are still being finalized.”

The shooting took place on the evening of November 22, around 7:15 p.m., in the 45000 block of West Dirk Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Valenzuela suffering from gunshot wounds and transported him to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

According to an official police statement from November 28, “Details are still emerging, but initial reports indicate that the incident involved a group of juveniles and young adults. There was an altercation, and a firearm was discharged, tragically striking and fatally wounding one of the juveniles.”

Authorities continue their investigation to uncover further details surrounding the incident.