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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A one-time cash transfer of about $4,600 was enough to keep young people in Tucson from falling into homelessness, a new report says. -
The organization that provides health care and respite to homeless individuals in Phoenix is now expanding its operations to Mesa. The move comes amid growing homeless numbers in the East Valley. -
The organization that operates Arizona's 211 system is working with Gov. Katie Hobbs, APS and other stakeholders to cobble together funding to keep this lifeline going. -
Hotels that provide housing to homeless people would also have to post signs and notify people on their website that they provide such services while also taking paying guests. -
Phoenix launched its seasonal heat relief efforts on May 1. This year the city is operating a new facility downtown for 24/7 heat respite.
