Police in Phoenix are investigating three distinct violent incidents that occurred at Halloween parties on Nov. 1, raising concerns for residents about safety during the holiday weekend. According to AZFamily, officers responded around 12:30 a.m. to a fight at a party near 37th Avenue and Behrend Drive, south of the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway. Video released by the department shows multiple suspects assaulting an 18‑year‑old victim, and 10 to 15 minutes later an unknown individual fired shots, wounding another 18‑year‑old man in the shoulder.
Police are also looking for a teen or young man who allegedly threw a car part into a bonfire at a separate Halloween gathering near Lake Pleasant, causing an explosion that seriously injured 16‑year‑old Jaidynn Penberthy of Peoria. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with Penberthy’s medical expenses, AZFamily reports.
In central Phoenix, gunfire erupted at a party near 15th Avenue and Fillmore Street, resulting in the death of 18‑year‑old Jose Juan Vargas Hernandez, according to the same source. The three incidents mark the third reported case of youth‑related violence at Halloween events in the Valley this year.
Separately, a flooding event north of Lake Pleasant has claimed a life. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said 63‑year‑old Benny Sutton Jr. was found dead on Friday by Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office lake‑patrol teams after his pickup truck was swept away in a wash. Officials described the floodwaters at their peak as roughly 200 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet deep. Sutton, who worked at Castle Hot Springs resort, had not reported to work on Sunday, prompting an extensive search that lasted 16 to 18 hours each day.
Both investigations remain active. Phoenix police are urging anyone with information about the Halloween party attacks to call the department, submit a tip through Silent Witness online, or phone 480‑WITNESS. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to Sutton’s family and continues to review the circumstances of the flood‑related death. Residents are advised to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and follow safety guidance during ongoing severe‑weather events.
Sources: azfamily.com, azfamily.com, azfamily.com
