PHOENIX, AZ – Five high-profile investigations in Arizona for murders or attempted murders in 2023 remain unsolved, leaving many questions unanswered and families seeking closure. Authorities are urging individuals with any information to come forward to help solve these cases and prevent them from becoming cold cases.
One of the cases involves the murder of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega, whose body was found burned in a car off the I-10 in Tonopah. The medical examiner’s report revealed that Vega had been shot in the arm, hit in the head, and had bleach in her throat, emphasizing the urgency for someone to come forward with information.
Another case is that of Grant Griffiths, whose death was initially thought to be caused by a house fire in Prescott Valley. However, further investigation revealed that he had been shot multiple times. Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in this case.
In May, 17-year-old Desiree Rivas was tragically shot dead while leaving a graduation party in a neighborhood near Tolleson. The FBI is offering a $12,000 reward for individuals with information related to her murder.
A mysterious homicide case involves the disappearance of Chad Holvig and his son Dalton, followed by the discovery of Dalton being shot multiple times in a Goodyear home while Chad was found dead inside. Authorities are urging anyone with information on this case to come forward.
The final case involves the attempted murder of Hans Schmidt, a religious leader and former military combat medic who was shot while preaching on a Glendale street corner. Despite video evidence of the incident, no arrests have been made in this case.
Overall, these unsolved cases highlight the importance of community cooperation in providing authorities with crucial information to bring closure to the victims’ families and ensure justice is served.