A Phoenix man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting his girlfriend during an argument at his home, then driving to a police precinct to report the incident.
According to Phoenix Police, 36-year-old Josue Barreras Anaya arrived at the Maryvale Estrella Mountain Precinct around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, where he approached officers in the parking lot and informed them that his girlfriend, 32-year-old Jessica Guzman, had died. Officers found her in the back of his pickup truck and immediately opened an investigation.
Family members said they were devastated by the circumstances. Jessica’s brother, David Guzman, told local media that the family was struggling to understand how the situation escalated so tragically.
Court documents state that the couple had been in Anaya’s bedroom when an argument broke out. A firearm that Anaya reportedly kept under his pillow had fallen to the floor, startling the victim. Police say the pair began fighting, and Anaya later told investigators that both he and Guzman reached for the gun during the struggle. Two shots were fired, and Guzman was struck once, according to initial reports.
After the shooting, police said Anaya did not contact authorities from the scene. Instead, he placed Guzman in his truck and drove to the precinct, where he flagged down officers outside the building. Investigators described the encounter as unusual and unexpected for patrol officers starting their morning shift.
Police detained Anaya at the scene and followed standard procedures, including collecting evidence from his hands and questioning him about the events leading up to the shooting. Court documents indicate that Anaya soon requested legal representation.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Brian Bower told local reporters that officers were surprised by the manner in which the incident was reported, noting that it is uncommon for someone to voluntarily drive to a station with a deceased individual and admit involvement.
Authorities are now working through the details of the case, reviewing statements, physical evidence, and the results of forensic examinations. Anaya is being held on a charge of first-degree murder, and additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues.
Family members have launched online tributes remembering Jessica as a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support funeral expenses and assist her family during the legal process.
The case remains ongoing, and Phoenix Police have not yet released further information regarding potential witnesses or past incidents involving the couple. Officials say more details will become available as the investigation moves forward.
