(July 7, 2023) - The Aurora Police Department, joined by the family of Phoenix Day, held a news conference on July 7 regarding the shooting incident that resulted in the tragic death of 13-year-old Phoenix.
This news conference was an effort to encourage the community to come forward and speak out, as there were many witnesses to the March 25 incident.
Following the incident on March 25, detectives from APD's Major Crimes Homicide Unit (MCHU) analyzed more than 100 hours of video surveillance, cell phone records and social media posts which led to several leads.
Images of witnesses and people involved in the altercation were released by the MCHU unit.
Aurora Police's Investigations Division Chief Mark Hildebrand announced a Crime Stoppers award increase of up to $4,000 for anonymous tips regarding the shooting incident.
If you have any information about this homicide, please contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
This news conference was recorded and can be found below or on the APD YouTube page.
Information Previously Released
(March 25) - The Aurora Police Department's Major Crimes Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the parking lot of the Aurora Mall, 14300 E. Alameda Ave, on Saturday night.
On Saturday, March 25, just after 8 p.m., Aurora police officers were working off-duty at the Aurora Mall when they were alerted about an altercation involving a group of teens near the food court. While responding to that location, they were notified about shots being fired outside near Dillard's. Another officer working at the Century Theater responded to the parking lot outside of Dillard's and located a young teenage boy suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. This officer performed CPR on this boy until paramedics arrived, who quickly transported him to the hospital. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of first responders and emergency medical personnel, the boy died from his injuries.
Major Crimes Homicide Unit investigators responded to the scene and their investigation is ongoing. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation and detectives are actively pursuing leads. The relationship between the victim and the suspect is not yet known. As of Saturday night, no arrests had been made.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office will release the identity of the young teenage boy after positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867). Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP202355705