Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd has provided an update on a tragic shooting that took place on the night of November 30, 2024, in a remote area of Tonto Basin, Arizona. At around 11:09 PM, deputies from the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, along with firefighter/paramedics from the Tonto Basin Fire Department, responded to a report of two teenage males who had sustained gunshot wounds.
According to the initial report, a 15-year-old male allegedly shot another 15-year-old male before turning the firearm on himself. Upon arrival, first responders found both teens with gunshot wounds to the head. One of the teens was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was found alive but critically injured. Immediate emergency care was provided, and the surviving teen was airlifted to a trauma center in Phoenix for further treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a group of seven individuals, aged 15 to 20, was present at the time of the shooting. Authorities also noted that all but one of the individuals had been consuming alcohol. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit is actively investigating the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Sheriff Shepherd expressed gratitude to the Tonto Basin Fire Department for their swift and coordinated response. He also extended his condolences to the victims’ families and the Tonto Basin community during this difficult time as the investigation continues. Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
The tragic event has left the community in shock and mourning. The investigation aims to uncover the details of what led to this devastating incident and to ensure that justice is served. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing support to the affected families and the community as they navigate this challenging time. The authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation.
