Map: Phoenix homicide
PHOENIX -- Phoenix Police have identified the man they believe is responsible for killing an 18-year-old Valley resident back in July.
Authorities have charged Terrell Denton, 20, with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting Dewight Westbrook the night of July 9.
Westbrook and a group of friends were walking to a McDonalds in the area of 6800 South 51st Ave. when Denton reportedly ran through a field, approached Westbrook from behind, and then shot him multiple times.
According to police, Denton was attempting to join a gang and wanted to demonstrate his willingness to commit a crime.
Authorities said they believe Denton killed Westbrook because he lived in another neighborhood.
Denton was already behind bars on unrelated aggravated assault charges. Detectives have now added a first-degree murder charge.
