PHOENIX — An 18-year-old has been arrested as the main suspect in the kidnapping and shooting of a 19-year-old on Wednesday, the Phoenix Police Department said.
The 18-year-old suspect, Jerssen Perez, allegedly admitted to police he was involved in the incident after being arrested, officers said.
Police responded to the kidnapping call near the intersection of 7th Avenue and Union Hills Drive, the department said. The kidnapping call came from the family of the 19-year-old victim, Oscar Ortega.
Investigators believe that Ortega left his girlfriend's home early Wednesday morning when he was kidnapped at gunpoint by the suspect, officers said.
Perez had previously been in a relationship with the victim's girlfriend and had been planning to kill Ortega, according to a police report.
After Perez saw the victim texting on his phone, the suspect allegedly attempted to snatch the phone away and ended up shooting Ortega multiple times.
Perez then reportedly shot Ortega and disposed of his body in the open desert. The suspect then hid various pieces of evidence in a backpack and placed it behind a bush.
Perez has since been booked on charges including 1st-degree murder and kidnapping.
This is a developing story. Tune into 12 News for the latest information.
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