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Teen violence isn't just in the East Valley. One father has been waiting years for answers in his son's Phoenix murder

Nearly three years before teen violence in the East Valley came into the spotlight, 16-year-old Jaiden Torrez was shot and killed in central Phoenix.

PHOENIX — It has been three years since Greg Gutierrez's son, 16-year-old Jaiden Torrez, was shot and killed near 19th and Missouri avenues in central Phoenix.

"They used social media to lure him out," Gutierrez said. "When he got there, somebody took advantage of him being so young and by himself, and they shot him once in the head and killed my son."

Torrez aspired to be a barber and one day take over the family-owned barbershop. 

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: La violencia entre adolescentes no es solo en el este del valle. Un padre tiene años esperando respuestas sobre el asesinato de su hijo en Phoenix

“He took lessons very well, anytime I had anything I wanted to show him or he wanted to learn anything, he would ask. He was a bright kid," Gutierrez told 12News in 2021. 

RELATED: Father of 16-year-old teen found shot to death inside car speaks out

After three years and no arrests, Gutierrez wants Phoenix police to use more resources in his son's case to find his killer. 

"I would like to have the FBI and all the resources that they're using over there in Gilbert to be implemented here," Gutierrez said. "I think they should take a look at all these underage murders as a whole."

Teen violence has been at the top of East Valley residents' minds ever since 16-year-old Preston Lord was fatally assaulted outside of a Halloween party in Queen Creek in October 2023. 

But teen violence is not just happening in the East Valley. 

"It's very normal and that's, that's just crazy," Gutierrez said. "It shouldn't be normal... it shouldn't be regular, it shouldn't be happening. It shouldn't be looked over, not addressed."

There are no suspects in Torrez's murder — and no answers for Gutierrez. 

"This incident is still being investigated as an active case," a statement from the Phoenix Police Department said. "Just like all homicide cases, detectives are always welcoming any tips from the public on information that may lead to an arrest in this case."

Gutierrez said he reached out to a detective about his son's case but never heard back. 

Gutierrez brought a picture of Torrez to 12News' Teen Violence Town Hall on Monday to bring to light other cases of teen violence across the Valley. 

RELATED: Watch: 12News holds town hall focused on teen violence in the East Valley

"I thank you guys for bringing this topic up, it's something I've been waiting for," Gutierrez said. 

Anyone with information about Torrez's murder can call Silent Witness at 480-948-6377.

Teen violence coverage on 12News

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