Man facing murder charge after deadly shooting in west Phoenix

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — A 67-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges, including murder, after a deadly shooting that happened in west Phoenix late last month. On Tuesday, Phoenix police announced that Bobby Roberts has been arrested in connection and booked into the Maricopa County jail.

Officers were called out on Sept. 24 to the area of 27th Avenue and Indian School Road just before 5 p.m. When they arrived, they found a gravely injured 35-year-old Maurice Jamal Edwards lying in the middle of the road. Edwards was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

Detectives spoke with witnesses, one of whom was across the street at a gas station. He told police he saw the suspect walk to a bus stop, pull out a gun and shoot the victim one time. The witness said the suspect then put the gun back in his pocket and walked away as the victim ran and collapsed in the street.

Based on witness descriptions and surveillance video, police were able to track the suspect to a nearby hotel and identify him as Roberts. On Monday, detectives spoke with the woman whose name was registered to the room, and she confirmed Roberts had been staying there. She said she’s known Roberts for 12 years and that on the afternoon of Sept. 24, he began drinking. According to court documents, she then left the hotel because Roberts “gets annoying when he’s drunk.”

The woman told investigators that Roberts showed up at a friend’s house later that afternoon and said it was good that she left the hotel when she did because “something happened.” She says he didn’t elaborate.

Roberts was arrested just after midnight on Tuesday for various charges, including murder and weapons misconduct involving a prohibited possessor.

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