Authorities are searching for three men in connection with the fatal shooting of Tucson police recruit Carlos Ramirez and the wounding of his fiancée in Tucson, Arizona. Ramirez, 23, was killed early Wednesday, Aug. 19, while his fiancée, a 23-year-old Pima County corrections officer, was hospitalized in stable condition. Investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for Alex James Barnett, 33, while two other suspects remain unidentified. Surveillance footage released by authorities shows men believed to be connected to a gray Acura MDX that was later abandoned.
Ramirez was scheduled to graduate from the Tucson police academy on Aug. 27. He had previously worked as a corrections officer for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and he and his fiancée shared a child.
| 1) | Investigation and suspects |
| 2) | Surveillance footage and vehicle evidence |
| 3) | Victims and academy response |
| 4) | Timeline and shooting location |
| 5) | Public request for information |
Investigation and suspects
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the search for three men believed to be involved in the Wednesday morning shooting. Authorities say Alex James Barnett, 33, is wanted under an arrest warrant. The other two men had not been publicly identified as of Friday morning.
According to authorities, the suspects were wearing black clothing and ski masks during the shooting. Investigators have released surveillance images in an effort to identify the remaining men and determine their roles in the attack.
Surveillance footage and vehicle evidence
Video released Thursday night shows at least two men in separate locations. One was recorded at a gas station at 5405 West Valencia Road at approximately 5:20 a.m. Wednesday. Another was seen later near a parking lot at South Palo Verde Road and East 33rd Street at about 10:50 a.m.
A gray Acura MDX believed to be associated with the suspects was abandoned in the area and recovered by police Thursday. One unidentified man appears to have tattoos on his arms and legs, short dark hair, and a short beard. Another person seen leaving the Acura appeared to be wearing a sleeveless shirt, although the video quality was described as grainy.
Victims and academy response
Carlos Ramirez was identified as the person killed. He was a member of Tucson Police Department Basic Recruit Class 26-1 and was due to complete his academy training on Aug. 27. Before joining the recruit class, he worked as a corrections officer for the county sheriff’s department.
Ramirez’s fiancée, who also is 23 and works as a Pima County corrections officer, suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital. Authorities said she was in stable condition, but they did not immediately release her name.
“The Tucson Police Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Carlos Ramirez, a member of Basic Recruit Class 26-1. Carlos was fatally shot early this morning. His fiancée was also injured and is currently receiving medical care.”
The department said it was offering thoughts to Ramirez’s family and loved ones, his fiancée, classmates, instructors, and academy staff.
Timeline and shooting location
The shooting occurred at about 6 a.m. Wednesday at Ramirez’s home in the 7700 block of South Enchanted Spring Drive, approximately 17 miles southwest of Tucson. Deputies responded after a 911 call and found Ramirez dead and his fiancée wounded.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and Tucson Police Chief Monico Prieto addressed the case after the shooting. Investigators are reviewing footage from locations visited by the suspects before and after the attack as they work to establish the sequence of events.
Public request for information
Authorities are asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of Alex James Barnett or can identify the two other men to contact law enforcement. Members of the public should call 911 for immediate concerns or provide information to 520-88-CRIME.
Investigators have not publicly released additional details about a possible motive. The surveillance images, descriptions of the suspects, and recovery of the Acura are intended to help generate leads while the manhunt continues.
| 1 | Three men are being sought in connection with the shooting. |
|---|---|
| 2 | An arrest warrant has been issued for Alex James Barnett, 33. |
| 3 | Carlos Ramirez, 23, was killed, and his fiancée was hospitalized in stable condition. |
| 4 | A gray Acura MDX linked to the investigation was abandoned and recovered. |
Summary
The investigation remains active after a Tucson police recruit was killed and his corrections officer fiancée was wounded at their home. Authorities are using surveillance footage, suspect descriptions, and vehicle evidence to locate three men, including one identified suspect. The public is being asked to provide information that could help investigators advance the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the shooting?
Carlos Ramirez, a 23-year-old Tucson police recruit who was scheduled to graduate from the academy on Aug. 27, was killed.
How many suspects are authorities seeking?
Authorities are seeking three men. An arrest warrant has been obtained for Alex James Barnett, while two other suspects had not been publicly identified.
How can the public provide information?
Anyone with information can call 911 or contact investigators at 520-88-CRIME.