Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: The Safford Police Department has issued a press release regarding the deaths of two people in midtown Safford early Monday morning.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – On Tuesday, the Safford Police Department issued a press release regarding the double homicide in midtown Safford early Monday morning.
According to the release, officers were initially dispatched to a residence in the 1200 block of Central Avenue at 1:52 a.m. regarding a burglary.
The homeowners said that a man who they recognized as their neighbor, Miguel Garcia, 24, entered their residence and approached them with a knife.
The release stated the occupants attempted to retreat into a bedroom and then a bathroom, but Miguel Garcia continued to approach.
At that point, a resident retrieved a pistol and fatally shot the perpetrator after warning him to stop or he would be fired upon. Miguel Garcia was pronounced deceased at the scene.
When officers attempted to contact Miguel Garcia’s next of kin next door, another victim was located deceased in the bedroom. The man located in the bedroom has been identified as Miguel Garcia’s father, Hector Garcia.
The release reports that initial evidence and statements suggest Miguel Garcia acted alone. SPD’s investigation is ongoing.
Police cordoned off the area for a good portion of the morning as they worked the crime scene. SPD was assisted by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office and Thatcher Police Department.
