TEMPE, Ariz. — The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting in Guadalupe that left 15-year-old Elias Longoria dead.
The family has confirmed Elias' identity and provided younger photos of the teen.
Around 12:52 a.m., deputies with the MCSO responded to a call for shots fired near Calle Sonora & Avenida del Yaqui in Guadalupe, officials said.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Elias dead at the scene.
Elias' mother, Blanca Longoria, told 12News that the murder was motivated by a fight that happened earlier in the month.
"He told me it happened because the kid told him his tattoo was ugly; his tattoo means something to him because it said RIP to both my brothers, his uncles," she said.
Longoria said Eli was her oldest son and just started his freshman year at Marcos De Niza High School. He loved football and his siblings.
"It hurts. Why take his life knowing he was only 15? They're kids. Never did I think, or did it cross my mind that they would come back and try to do something to him, knowing that he's my son," she explained.
12News reached out to the Tempe Unified High School District for comment. The district said they cannot comment because this is an active investigation.
Law enforcement officials said that they are still investigating the shooting and have not released information on a suspect or motive at this time.
Editor's note: The above photo was provided by family and reflects a younger Elias.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12News for more updates.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Matan a adolescente en balacera en Guadalupe; autoridades investigan
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