Community honors slain Phoenix teacher with toy drive

David Denogean murder: Police still searching for suspect

A toy drive wrapped up on Dec. 20 for a Valley teacher who was murdered three years ago. The case remains unsolved, but the victim's family believe justice may be within reach. FOX 10's Megan Spector reports.

PHOENIX - It's been three years since a Valley teacher was tragically shot and killed while walking his dog. It's a case that remains unsolved.

On Saturday night, the community is honoring David Denogean's memory with a toy drive to give back in his name.

"It was a tragic event for us, but this is meant to be a happy time, and it's all for the kids," said Frank Denogean, David's father.

The backstory:

On Nov. 25, 2022, David was shot on a sidewalk outside a restaurant near 12th Street and Bethany Home Road. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.

Denogean was a coach and teacher at Camelback High School.

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What they're saying:

Since David's death, his family has come together to put on a toy drive. There's games, food, and of course, a big room of wrapped presents where kids of all ages can pick out a surprise gift.

His family says they started the toy drive right after his death, and they've watched it grow year after year. His family says it's a chance to help the community, while also keeping David's memory alive.

Toy drive held for David Denogean

A community is honoring a Valley teacher who was killed three years ago while walking his dog. They're honoring his memory by hosting a toy drive while they wait for answers on the unsolved case. FOX 10's Megan Spector reports.

"I know David’s smiling at us right now. I really do. I feel his presence here. I don’t want to cry. But I know he’s here with us because Christmas was really important to him," said David's mother, Judy Denogean.

"He was a big community kid. He loved the community, he loved giving back and he loved Christmas. So we’re just doing what he would want us to do!" said David's cousin, Nicole Greenspan.

Dig deeper:

David's family says investigators have identified a possible suspect in his murder who hasn't been charged, but that person is in prison for another crime.

"We’ve learned a couple of months ago that they had a suspect who murdered somebody else the very next day – not to say it was him because you’re innocent until proven guilty, but until someone comes forth, we want to keep David’s memory in the community," Frank said.

The family wants the energy at the event to be positive, but they also acknowledge that the case is unsolved. They still want the person responsible for David's death to be held accountable.

David Denogean

"I just want them to know that his crime has not been solved, and we know that there is probably somebody out there who knows this person," Frank said.

"The grieving and the hurt and the pain never stops. We think about him every day, especially because the person who did this hasn’t been brought to justice," Nicole said.

Map of where the shooting happened