Shooting suspect arrested after falsifying story to investigators

Update: On May 6, 2008, the victim, 27-year-old Antonio Quintana-Hernandez, died as a result of the gunshot wound. Investigators have now charged the suspect, 20-year-old Efren Chavez-Rivera with Manslaughter. Chavez-Rivera remains in police custody.

April 30, 2008 -- 20-year-old Efren Chavez-Rivera of Mesa is facing charges of aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons, and discharging a firearm within city limits after a late night shooting that occurred on April 29, 2008 at an apartment home located at 450 S. Valencia in west Mesa.

Police received a call at 10:52 p.m. from medical staff at Mesa General Hospital after Chavez-Rivera and the victim, 27-year-old Antonio Quintana-Hernandez were dropped off at the emergency room entrance. The victim had an apparent gunshot wound to his chest and received immediate medical attention. He was then transported to a local trauma center via air ambulance, where he has been listed in critical condition.

Investigators were able to speak to the victim regarding the incident. The victim told investigators that he had entered his apartment shortly before 11:00 p.m. when he heard a loud bang and felt a sharp pain in his chest. Realizing that he had just been shot, the victim fled his apartment on foot and made his way to Broadway Road to find a ride to the hospital. The victim told investigators that he did not know who had shot him. Officers responded to the victim's apartment at 450 S. Valencia. A protective search of the apartment revealed that there were no other victims inside. Officers found evidence that a shooting had occurred within the apartment and the scene was secured pending further investigation.

Chavez-Rivera initially told investigators that he had found the victim along Broadway Road and that he had stopped to help him. He stated that he helped the victim find a ride to the hospital. After further questioning, investigators discovered that the suspect and victim were in fact roommates. Chavez-Rivera stated that he had found a bag containing several handguns and brought the guns home with him. He started to play with one of the guns in front of the victim at which point he accidentally shot Antonio in the chest. After the shooting occurred, Chavez-Rivera assisted the victim in locating a ride to the hospital. He told investigators that on the way to the hospital, he threw the guns into a dumpster at a local convenience store. Investigators were able to locate two of the guns in the dumpster and discovered that one of those guns had been reported stolen.

Chavez-Rivera was booked on suspicion of aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons, and discharging a firearm within city limits. As of this writing his bond and release status is unknown. The victim remains in critical condition.

(Photo is of suspect Efren Chavez-Rivera.)