Maryvale residents gathered Thursday night to remember five victims killed in a string of shootings Phoenix police think may be related.
About 60 children, community activists and senior citizens held candles as they stood in a circle on the grass outside the Maryvale Community Center.
“We want to remind the families that we are here for them as a community,” said Phoenix City Councilman Daniel Valenzuela. “This is also a call to action. We realize that this is unacceptable in any neighborhood, but certainly (not) our Maryvale.”
The commander of the Maryvale Estrella Mountain Precinct said his number one priority is solving the crimes.
Police have said the murders have several things in common. They happened on weekend nights, the victims were shot in front of homes and there is no clear motive for any of the shootings.
The first shooting happened more than two months ago, but the rest were in June. Investigators have focused on the area between 67th and 55th avenues, McDowell Road and Campbell Avenue.
Last week, Phoenix police said they are sharing information with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Authorities want anyone who sees something suspicious to call the Violent Crime Bureau or Silent Witness at 480-948-6377.
