PHOENIX — A Chandler man has been arrested and accused of killing a woman during a birthday party at a motel in Phoenix on Saturday night.
Fire personnel responded to the Homewood Suites near Beryl and 25th avenues at 11 p.m., according to court documents.
Court paperwork alleges 22-year-old Dante Trevell Gaines was found unresponsive on the floor in one room. He was treated at the scene.
A woman was also found unresponsive with a gunshot wound. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say the woman and Gaines were at the hotel celebrating Gaines's cousin's birthday with several other people.
Officers say several people were inside the motel room when Gaines and another man began arguing and it turned physical.
Gaines reportedly went into a room and brought out a handgun.
The victim was one of the people in the room and was allegedly "struck by gunfire" during the fight.
When people began running out of the room Gaines's cousin said he blocked her and another woman from leaving.
His cousin tried to get the gun out of his hand and they struggled for the gun, court paperwork says. He ended up hitting her in the head with the gun. She eventually got out of the room and went to the hospital for treatment.
Gaines allegedly told investigators the altercation began with the man because he was trying to take advantage of his cousin who was intoxicated.
He asked for an attorney before mentioning anything else, police say.
Gaines is facing second-degree murder, kidnapping and assault charges.
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