Phoenix Police Reveal Father-Son Shooting Investigation Details

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of shooting and killing his father during an argument at an apartment complex in north Phoenix.

Joseph Gabriel Peixotto is accused of killing 50-year-old Joseph Elmer Peixotto on May 12, 2026. Phoenix police responded to the Acero North Valley apartments, located near Dove Valley Road and North Valley Parkway, at approximately 12:30 a.m. Following reports of a shooting.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers ordered the occupants of a specific unit to exit. Joseph Gabriel Peixotto exited the residence and was taken into custody. Once inside the unit, police discovered the elder Peixotto dead from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Investigation and Evidence

According to reporting from AZ Family, detectives determined the shooting occurred after an argument between the father and son. During a search of the apartment, investigators found a black semi-automatic pistol in a holster on the kitchen counter.

Police also recovered two shell casings at the scene: one located next to the victim’s foot and another found in the bathroom.

Court documents reveal that a roommate, who had recently returned from vacation, placed the 911 call to report the incident. The roommate told investigators that Joseph Gabriel Peixotto had come to the apartment to retrieve some of his belongings, which were stored in the roommate’s bedroom.

The roommate further stated that the younger Peixotto mentioned his father was kicking him out of the apartment.

According to court documents, Joseph Gabriel Peixotto was heard in the background of the 911 call stating that his father was going to assault him.