Phoenix, Arizona — A 21-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, whose body was discovered in a vehicle outside a home in Phoenix this week. Victor Giron was arrested shortly after the incident, which occurred as investigators pieced together the events surrounding the death of 39-year-old Katherine Cervantez.
The shooting took place around 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the vicinity of 12th Street and Mountain View Road, not far from Cave Creek Road. Police reported that Cervantez suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was found inside a Nissan Altima. Emergency medical personnel transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Witness accounts indicate that Giron and Cervantez had only been together for two weeks. A friend of Cervantez’s mentioned that during a prior meeting, she observed Giron with a firearm. Additionally, Cervantez had reportedly confided in her friend about frequent arguments with Giron, expressing concerns regarding past assaults.
On the morning leading up to the shooting, tensions escalated as the couple argued in the friend’s backyard, reportedly over issues related to substance use. The friend overheard comments about potential violence, including a threat Giron made to shoot Cervantez. Disturbed by the confrontation, she suggested that they leave.
Giron left temporarily but returned shortly thereafter, seeking assistance. He allegedly admitted to shooting Cervantez during a confrontation where she had brandished a knife. Despite accepting Giron’s request for help, the friend insisted they call emergency services, which he resisted. Instead, Giron suggested they transport Cervantez to the hospital in her vehicle.
As they moved Cervantez from Giron’s SUV to the Altima, the friend reiterated the need to summon help, but Giron reportedly insisted on retrieving his firearm. When the friend initially refused, Giron displayed a second weapon, coercing her to comply.
Following the incident, authorities learned from Cervantez’s mother that the couple had frequently quarreled during their brief relationship. She also disclosed that Giron often kept a gun in his vehicle, raising concerns about the volatility of their relationship.
Investigators traced Giron’s cell phone signal to Gila Bend, Arizona, where a border patrol agent later spotted him driving on Interstate 85 towards Ajo. Shortly after, Giron’s vehicle crashed near I-85 and Rasmussen Road. Attempting to flee on foot, he was apprehended by deputies from Pima County.
Giron remained silent during questioning and requested legal representation. He has been booked into Maricopa County jail, facing charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault. The ongoing investigation continues to uncover more details regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.