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$2M bond set for suspect in fatal El Mirage shootings

Other suspect not facing murder charges

Posted 7/6/20

A man faces first-degree murder charges in connection with the shooting deaths of two people in El Mirage.

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$2M bond set for suspect in fatal El Mirage shootings

Other suspect not facing murder charges

Posted

A man faces first-degree murder charges in connection with the shooting deaths of two people in El Mirage.

On the morning of July 3, El Mirage Police Department officers responded to a home near Grand Avenue and Greenway Road after an out-of-state 911 caller reported that he hadn’t been able to contact his 77-year-old stepfather, Ronny John Muench, since Father’s Day. When officers arrived, they saw a door that led into the home standing open.

Police said officers went inside and discovered Mr. Muench and Joseph A. Talley, 31, dead. Both men are known to live in the home. Detectives began an exhaustive investigation and followed up on numerous leads. During the investigation they learned that Mr. Muench’s vehicle, a silver Mercury Sable, had been stolen.

On Sunday, July 5, a Surprise police officer saw Mr. Muench’s vehicle near Greenway and Dysart roads. Surprise officers stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, Dejon W. Davis, 20, of El Mirage, and passenger Steven Bj Wilcox, 28, of Surprise. Both men were detained and later questioned by El Mirage detectives.

Based on the investigation, interviews, and evidence, El Mirage detectives booked Dejon Davis on two counts of first-degree murder, one count of armed robbery, unlawful use of means of transportation, and theft, according to a release.

According to court documents, Dejon Davis told police he was invited to the house, where he consumed alcohol and blacked out. When he woke up the following morning, he claimed the victims were trying to have sex with him. He then allegedly shot both victims before fleeing with the victim's vehicle and items.

In an email, El Mirage police stated evidence of sexual acts was seized from the home, but could not expand further due to the ongoing investigation.

Court documents state Dejon Davis was booked in lieu of $2 million bond.

Steven Wilcox was booked on charges of unlawful use of means of transportation, theft of a credit card, and theft. The credit card charges stemmed from attempts by both suspects to purchase marijuana from a dispensary and food purchases using Mr. Muench’s debit card, police said.

Police were not able to comment on whether Steven Wilcox was present when the shootings occurred. According to records, he did not appear to be at the residence. Court documents state he was released on his own recognizance.

“Murder cases are the most significant investigations our detectives are involved with, and they made this case a priority," El Mirage Police Chief Paul Marzocca stated. "I appreciate their dedication and tireless work. I am also grateful to the vigilant Surprise officer who located the victim’s vehicle. My thoughts go out to the families of the victims.”