Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the first-degree murder of Bernardo Pantaleon, whose body was found in late November. The Phoenix police investigation revealed that three of the suspects were associated with a local gang. Pantaleon’s family members believe that the killing was a hate crime due to his sexuality.
Pantaleon’s body was discovered on November 26 at Mountain View Park in Phoenix. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and his body had been mutilated. His friends and family described him as a loving and caring person who was always there for those he loved, especially his siblings and elderly people whom he frequently looked after.
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On Saturday, three of the suspects, Leonardo Santiago, Manuel Carrasco, and Jose Rodriguez, were arrested at the police headquarters. They confessed to the murder and were also charged with crimes against the dead and assisting a street gang. The fourth suspect, Christopher Ibarra, was arrested separately at a QuikTrip location. He was also charged with first-degree murder.
According to court documents, the suspects planned Pantaleon’s murder in a group chat on social media, which was associated with the North Side 15th Avenue Street gang. The chat contained derogatory remarks about Pantaleon’s sexuality and stated that gay people were “not allowed in the north side.” The suspects also shared photos of Pantaleon’s mutilated body on Instagram.
During police questioning, Santiago initially denied killing Pantaleon but later admitted to it, claiming that it was due to an unwanted advance. However, he later tried to change his story. Calderon and Rodriguez admitted to knowing about the murder plan and shared photos and videos of the incident.
The suspects will have their next court dates in December. Santiago and Ibarra are being held on a $2 million bond, Carrasco on a $1 million bond, and Rodriguez on a $500,000 bond.
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The police investigation revealed the disturbing details of Pantaleon’s murder and the involvement of the suspects associated with a local gang. The case highlights the importance of addressing hate crimes and ensuring justice for victims like Bernardo Pantaleon.
