PHOENIX — The suspects who have been arrested in connection to what Phoenix police described as the "brutal murder" of 30-year-old Bernardo Pantaleon allegedly made disparaging remarks about the victim's sexuality after killing him, records show.
Police said Leonardo Santiago, 21, Manuel Carrasco Calderon, 21, and Jose Rodriguez, 20, are all facing criminal charges after Pantaleon's body was found on Nov. 26 at Mountain View Park near 7th and Peoria avenues.
Another man, Christopher Ibarra, 21, was later arrested on Dec. 4 and charged in the murder.
Police say Pantaleon was found with a gunshot wound and loved ones said he faced a violent death. His body was found naked and his belongings were gone.
Court records show Pantaleon's body showed signs of mutilation.
A few days after the victim's body was found, his family members reported receiving disturbing photographs through someone on Instagram that showed Pantaleon's body, records show.
Investigators obtained a search warrant and discovered the Instagram account allegedly belonged to one of the defendants. They later uncovered a thread of messages that suggested the defendants had made a plan to "rob and kill" the victim.
Other messages reviewed by investigators suggested the suspects made derogatory statements about the victim's sexuality and that homosexuals are not "allowed in the northside."
In an interview with police, Santiago allegedly admitted to killing the victim due to "an unwanted advance that made him uncomfortable," court records show.
Evidence collected by police indicates that the suspects were involved in a criminal street gang. Investigators reviewed discussions on social media among members of a specific Phoenix gang that showed these members allegedly "celebrating the victim's death."
Close friends of the victim, like Rafael Martinez, fear that the violent attack was rooted in hate because the victim was part of the LGBTQ community.
“It wasn't just one thing, like it was a trail of blood. And, you know, that says a lot," Martinez said.
Martinez said Pantaleon was an amazing person.
“There's no words that can describe what a good, genuine, good energy type of person that he was," Martinez added.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Pantaleon's family. You can donate here.
MORE DETAILS: 30-year-old's body found on Phoenix hiking trail after loved ones say he faced a violent death
Santiago, Calderon and Rodriguez were arrested on Dec. 2.
Police said during the interviews, all three men confessed to the murder of Bernardo. They were later booked into jail on various charges.
Santiago is facing the following charges:
- 3 Counts of murder first-degree premeditated
- Street gang-assist
- Crimes against dead person
Calderon is facing the following charges:
- 3 Counts of murder first-degree premeditated
- Street gang-assist
- Crimes against dead person
Rodriguez is facing the following charges:
- 2 Counts of murder first-degree premeditated
- Street gang-assist
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