An investigation that began in May after a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot in Mesa ended Nov. 14 with the arrest of three suspects who have been charged with first-degree murder, police said.

Bre’on Ballard, 18, Nikko Cartier, 18 at the time of the shooting, and  Jameeier White, who was 19 at the time, are being held on a $2 million bond, police said.

The shooting occurred at about 10 p.m. May 21 at 1439 S. Val Vista Drive. Mesa officers arrived and found two victims within the apartment complex with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to a hospital where one of the victims died.

The three suspects were persons of interest early in the investigation, but homicide detectives required additional evidence before formal charges could be pursued, according to a Mesa Police Department release.

Detectives conducted interviews, executed search warrants across Mesa and other Valley cities and recovered several firearms.

“Various items of evidence were submitted for forensic analysis and testing, which ultimately helped provide some of the additional support needed to move forward with charges,” the release stated.

Ballard was taken into custody last week in California, while Cartier and White were arrested on Nov. 14, police said Saturday.

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