Dave Dinkins, 25, has started a 42-year prison sentence in the 2023 killing of Geoffrey Rugwiro in the Phoenix homeless encampment known as "The Zone."
Rugwiro was beaten to death and his body was thrown in a dumpster before it was set ablaze.
Dinkins pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and kidnapping late last year. His co-defendant is awaiting trial on charges including first-degree murder.
Phoenix cleared the encampment under court order in late 2023.
More news on homelessness
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The new plan adopted by Phoenix City Council sets goals to decrease homelessness and further expand shelter and housing availability in the city. -
Homelessness has risen dramatically since the 20-teens when there were around 5,600 people living on the street and in shelters. Today, the count is closer to 10,000. -
HB 2682 would set aside $5 million to create a new rental assistance program in Arizona. Qualifying renters would be able to apply for up to $5,000 to cover up to two months of rent. -
A bill to make it easier for unhoused individuals to get a state ID is advancing in the Arizona Legislature. -
Arizona officials want to understand how many young people are experiencing homelessness across the state. The state is launching a new survey this week to find the answer.
