Arizona authorities arrested one suspect after a home invasion shooting killed Tucson police recruit Carlos Ramirez and wounded his fiancée. Santiago Jorge Rogers, 39, was taken into custody at a Tucson hotel and is being held without bond. A second suspect, Alex James Barnett, 33, remains at large, while investigators continue examining the involvement of a third man.
The shooting occurred early Wednesday, Aug. 19, in southwestern Tucson. Ramirez, who was expected to graduate from the police academy on Aug. 27, had previously worked as a corrections officer for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
| 1) | Deadly shooting in southwestern Tucson |
| 2) | Arrest of Santiago Jorge Rogers |
| 3) | Search for Alex James Barnett |
| 4) | Surveillance evidence and third man |
| 5) | Public assistance sought by authorities |
Deadly shooting in southwestern Tucson
Deputies responded to a 911 call at about 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, and found Ramirez dead at his home in southwestern Tucson. His 23-year-old fiancée had also been shot and was hospitalized in stable condition. Her name has not been released, but authorities said she works as a corrections officer for Pima County.
The victims shared a child, according to authorities. Investigators said the suspects were wearing black clothing and ski masks during the home invasion. Ramirez had been scheduled to graduate from the police academy on Aug. 27, making the shooting particularly significant for local law enforcement.
Arrest of Santiago Jorge Rogers
Deputies arrested Santiago Jorge Rogers on Saturday morning at a hotel on South Palo Verde Road in Tucson. The 39-year-old was booked into the county jail and is being held without bond in connection with the shooting.
A search of Pima County court records found no prior cases for Rogers. Records from other Arizona counties show that a man with the same name and age has faced drug and shoplifting convictions, a contraband-related case involving incarceration, and other lesser charges. Those records were not presented as proof of involvement in the Tucson shooting.
Search for Alex James Barnett
Authorities continue to seek Alex James Barnett, 33, who remains at large. Court records show prior burglary and weapons convictions, and that he has also used the name Alex Wilson. In December 2024, he pleaded guilty to an unlawful imprisonment charge.
Barnett was reportedly last seen wearing a red shirt and black leather vest while riding a Harley-Davidson FLHXS motorcycle. Investigators identified the motorcycle by Arizona license plate DA466. Because he has not been arrested, authorities have asked the public to avoid approaching him and to provide information directly to law enforcement.
Surveillance evidence and third man
Surveillance footage reportedly shows men identified as Rogers and Barnett wearing black clothing and picking up items at a Shell gas station at 5405 West Valencia Road around 5:20 a.m., roughly 20 minutes before the shooting. Later footage from a parking lot shows a third man parking a gray Acura MDX SUV and walking away.
The third man has not been publicly identified. Detectives have contacted him, but he has not been charged while investigators determine his possible role. The footage and vehicle information are part of the continuing effort to establish how the suspects traveled to and from the residence.
“No arrest has been made as investigators work to determine his involvement,” the sheriff’s department said.
Public assistance sought by authorities
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information about Barnett’s location or the shooting to contact authorities. Tips can be reported by calling 911 or 520-88-CRIME. The request comes as deputies continue the manhunt and review surveillance footage, court records and other evidence.
The investigation remains active, and the department has not announced charges against the unidentified third man. Rogers remains in custody, while Barnett’s whereabouts have not been confirmed.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ramirez was killed and his fiancée was wounded in a Tucson home invasion shooting. |
| 2 | Santiago Jorge Rogers was arrested at a Tucson hotel and held without bond. |
| 3 | Alex James Barnett remains wanted and was reportedly last seen on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. |
| 4 | A third man was contacted but has not been charged. |
Summary
The arrest of Rogers marks a development in the investigation into the killing of a Tucson police recruit and the wounding of his fiancée. Authorities are still searching for Barnett and reviewing evidence involving an unidentified third man. The case remains active, and investigators are relying on public tips and surveillance material to clarify the suspects’ roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the shooting?
Carlos Ramirez, a 23-year-old Tucson police recruit and former Pima County corrections officer, was killed at his home.
Who has been arrested?
Santiago Jorge Rogers, 39, was arrested at a hotel on South Palo Verde Road in Tucson and is being held without bond.
Who remains at large?
Alex James Barnett, 33, remains at large. Authorities said he may be riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with Arizona license plate DA466.
How can the public help?
Anyone with information can call 911 or 520-88-CRIME. Authorities have asked people not to approach Barnett.
