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Teen's death after Gilbert shooting prompts upgrade in charges

A 16-year-old who was shot earlier this month has died, prompting an upgrade of charges against the suspect, Gilbert police said.

The teen died Tuesday, Dec. 23, more than a week after being shot Dec. 13, according to the Gilbert Police Department.

Police said the charge against the suspect, 21-year-old Rael Sanchez, will be upgraded from attempted second-degree murder to first-degree premeditated murder under Arizona law. Sanchez remains in custody.

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Public safety

Teen's death after Gilbert shooting prompts upgrade in charges

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A 16-year-old who was shot earlier this month has died, prompting an upgrade of charges against the suspect, Gilbert police said.

The teen died Tuesday, Dec. 23, more than a week after being shot Dec. 13, according to the Gilbert Police Department.

Police said the charge against the suspect, 21-year-old Rael Sanchez, will be upgraded from attempted second-degree murder to first-degree premeditated murder under Arizona law. Sanchez remains in custody.

Sanchez was arrested following the shooting that was reported just before 8 p.m. on Dec. 13 in the 900 block of South Deerfield Lane.

Gilbert Police said officers responding to reports of a shooting found a 16-year-old male with serious injuries. The teen was transported to a nearby hospital, 

During the investigation, officers learned Sanchez, whom police identified as a relative of one of the homeowners, was visiting family at the residence at the same time the victim was visiting his girlfriend, according to Gilbert Police.

Police said investigators were told Sanchez left the area in a vehicle after the shooting. Witnesses reported to police Sanchez had been acting erratically prior to the incident and he was seen in possession of a firearm, police said.

Sanchez was located by Phoenix Police officers just before 10 a.m. on Dec. 14 in connection with an unrelated incident in Phoenix, Gilbert Police said.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing. No additional information about the victim has been released.

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Gilbert shooting, teen shooting death, Gilbert Police Department, murder charge upgraded, Rael Sanchez, Arizona shooting, police investigation, first-degree murder charge

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