Early morning break-in turns fatal
The Mesa Police Department is investigating an
early morning break-in that occurred at
approximately 2:19 a.m. in the area of 4800 E.
Princess in Mesa. A 38-year-old male was shot by the
homeowner after a reported struggle.
A 38-year-old male and female married couple were
sleeping inside their residence when they heard what
appeared to be someone breaking in through a bedroom
window. A third occupant was also inside the
residence. The female homeowner ran to a closet to
call 9-1-1. The male homeowner confronted an armed
male who forced entry into the residence. A struggle
ensued between the homeowner and a suspect. During
the struggle, the homeowner obtained control of the
suspect's handgun. The homeowner then shot the male
suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased on
scene by Mesa Fire.
A second male suspect who was outside the
residence during the incident was detained and taken
into custody by Mesa Police.
All the known parties involved are currently
being interviewed by investigators. It is probable
this incident is drug related. No other injuries
were reported.
There is no further information at this time.
04/21/08 Update
Mesa Police Investigators have arrested Mickey
Lynn Stoner, 42, for a warrant on misconduct
involving weapons. Stoner was the individual located
outside the residence on Princess the morning of the
shooting incident. Investigators discovered Mickey
had a warrant for his arrest on an unrelated charge.
The homeowner's of the home on Princess are Randy
Allen Root and Linda Kathleen Root. Based on the
evidence and interviews conducted, no one has been
arrested for the shooting incident. Investigation is
still on-going.
