Police identify 20-year-old accused in fatal shooting of girlfriend's brother

Bayan Wang | The Republic | azcentral.com

Show Caption Hide Caption Ethaniel I. Anselmo fatally is accused of shooting his girlfriend's brother Monday evening Anselmo is facing multiple counts including first degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities say they've arrested a 20-year-old man who is suspected of fatally shooting his girlfriend’s brother Monday evening in Phoenix.

Ethaniel Isaiah Anselmo texted his girlfriend moments before opening fire on her 21-year-old brother at about 6:15 p.m., police said in Maricopa County court records.

Witnesses told police that Anselmo was standing in his front yard with a holstered pistol when Jeffrey O'Connell pulled up in his black Jeep near 19th Avenue and Union Hills Drive, court records show.

Anselmo was heard by witnesses shouting, "Hey" before he fired 24 rounds into the O'Connell's Jeep while walking toward the driver's side window, records show.

Detectives investigating the scene found O'Connell with several gunshot wounds to his left ear and neck area. He was pronounced dead on scene.

During the shooting, one bullet struck a home directly behind the Jeep where a family of three was watching television. Another family who witnessed the shooting shielded their 19-month-old daughter and retreated to the back of their home, records show.

Court records state that police arrived to find Anselmo in his front yard. Shortly after, police obtained Anselmo's girlfriend's cellphone, showing text messages from Anselmo stating that he was “going to shoot” her brother, records show.

She pleaded with Anselmo not to shoot O'Connell, but to fight him instead, police said. Shortly afterward, Anselmo sent a final text to her stating that he killed him, police said.

Anselmo is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A judge set his bond at $1 million.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 14 in Maricopa County Superior Court.

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