Suspect wanted in connection to assault, death of elderly man

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Police are looking for a man who they say is wanted in connection to an altercation that led to an elderly man's death.

The Phoenix Police Department says on the morning of Jan. 14, a man who claimed to be hungry went to the home of an elderly couple named Jack and Patricia, in the area of 2100 W. Royal Palm. When the couple answered the door, they gave the suspect $60 to buy food.

The next morning, the suspect returned to the home with a credit card and PIN number and told the couple they could use this card to withdraw money, keep the $60 in return and give any remaining money to him.

The couple became suspicious and asked the suspect to leave. Upon leaving, the suspect tried to steal the Patricia's purse and during a struggle, Jack held on to the purse and the suspect left the home.

In the days after the incident, Jack went to a hospital and discovered he had suffered several broken ribs as a result of the altercation. He would later die before leaving the hospital.

The suspect is described as a White man in his late 20's or early 30's, 5'8" to 6'0" tall, with light-colored hair and an average build.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest of the suspect. If you have any information, please call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.