Major break in murder investigation; high school football player stabbed to death: this week's top stories
Former TV anchor in trouble; teen killed in stabbing | Crime Files
From the tragic death of a high school football player in Ahwatukee, to a former Phoenix TV anchor being indicted on fraud charges, here is this week's Crime Files segment.
From a major break in the murder investigation of Mercedes Vega, to the death of a high school football player that has the community in mourning, here are this week's top stories.
1. 22-year-old arrested out-of-state in connection with Mercedes Vega's murder
Mercedes Vega's murder suspect arrested a year later
Officials with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office say an arrest has been made in connection with the murder of Mercedes Vega. We have previously reported on the murder case, which happened in April 2023. FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas has the details.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says an arrest was made in connection with the murder of Mercedes Vega. In a statement released during the afternoon of Nov. 18, a spokesperson with MCSO identified the person arrested as 22-year-old Sencere Hayes.
2. Leaving California: Residents continue moving to this state in record numbers
From the beaches to the mountains, mild weather, and endless sports and entertainment options, there’s no place in the world quite like California. However, as the cost of living continues to rise and real estate prices are considered unattainable for most, some have sought life elsewhere as the exodus out of the Golden State continues.
3. Mesa woman kept journal depicting torture, killing of dogs: police
Mesa woman arrested, accused of animal cruelty
An East Valley woman who was initially arrested on unrelated charges is now accused of killing multiple dogs. FOX 10 Investigator Justin Lum has more.
A Mesa woman who allegedly detailed the torture and killing of dogs in her journal has been arrested. Mesa Police say their investigation into 42-year-old Brook Scalero began in early June, when "Paws Fur the Cause" reported that Scalero agreed to pay $500 for a 3-year-old Maltese mix named Pepe.
4. Lori Vallow: 'Doomsday Mom' appears in court as Arizona judge orders her to finish competency evaluation
Lori Vallow must finish Rule 11 process, judge says
A judge ruled on Nov. 20 that Lori Vallow, the so-called "Doomsday Mom," must finish the Rule 11 process to see if she is mentally fit to stand trial in her Arizona case. Vallow is charged in the fatal shooting of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, and the attempted murder of her niece’s ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux.
Lori Vallow, the so-called ‘Doomsday Mom’ who was found guilty of killing her two children in Idaho, appeared in court on Nov. 20 as part of court proceedings over her mental competency evaluation process.
5. Witness says there were clues nearby after discovering human remains in north Phoenix desert
Phoenix investigators have a mystery on their hands after a human skeleton was found in the north Phoenix desert near the Deer Valley Airport. How this person got there or why remains unknown.
6. Man cashes settlement check in Glendale, and then chaos ensues
Man cashes settlement check, then chaos ensues
A Glendale man who just cashed a settlement check quickly had tens of thousands of dollars stolen from his car after leaving it unlocked while he was looking at a truck to buy.
A Glendale man who just cashed a settlement check quickly had tens of thousands of dollars stolen from his car after leaving it unlocked while he was looking at a truck to buy.
7. Stephanie Hockridge: Former Phoenix news anchor indicted in connection with COVID relief fraud scheme
Former Valley TV anchor indicted for fraud
Former ABC 15 anchor Stephanie Hockridge and her husband are due to appear in court in Dallas for a Paycheck Protection Program fraud scheme. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean has more.
Stephanie Hockridge, a former anchor at ABC 15 in Phoenix, and her husband Nathan Reis, are accused of submitting false and fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.
8. 1 dead, 2 arrested after DEA shooting in Phoenix
A man is dead, and two people were arrested following a shooting involving Drug Enforcement Administration agents in the parking lot of a Phoenix Walgreens.
9. Mountain Pointe student and football player stabbed to death during confrontation
Family of Jaylen Reeves grieving after stabbing death
High school student Jaylen Reeves was stabbed and killed in a fight over the weekend and his family is still processing why it happened. FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas spoke with Reeves' family.
People in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix are in mourning after a high school student and football player was stabbed in a neighborhood.
Phoenix Police were called out just after 3 a.m. on Nov. 16 to the area of East Lakewood Parkway for a report of a fight between two groups of kids. Officers at the scene found Jaylen Reeves, 15, suffering from a severe stab wound.
10. Cause of death released for woman found dead days after clocking into work at Tempe Wells Fargo
Report released for woman found dead at Wells Fargo
Officials have released the cause of death for a woman who was found dead days after clocking into work at a Tempe Wells Fargo.
Officials have released the cause of death for a woman who was found dead days after clocking into work at a Tempe Wells Fargo.