Man accused of shooting, killing rival "tagger"

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A suspect has been arrested and charged with the murder of an 18-year-old valley man.

Phoenix police say 19-year-old Jasyel Perez has been charged with the second-degree murder of Raul Ortega. On Monday, police found Ortega in the front yard of a home near 4900 W. Verde Lane. Ortega was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and he was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died.

During their investigation, police discovered that Perez and Ortega were part of rival "tagging" crews who were involved in a dispute. According to witnesses, Perez shot and killed Ortega in the front yard of the home and then left the area in a light-colored vehicle.

Perez was later taken into custody and has admitted he shot Ortega because he was afraid because of threats made by Ortega.