Overview
- The 16-year-old died on Dec. 24, eleven days after being shot inside a Deerfield Lane residence in Gilbert.
- Prosecutors upgraded the case to first-degree murder, and the suspect remains in custody on a $1 million cash bond.
- Court documents identify the suspect as Rael Sanchez, who invoked his right to an attorney and declined to speak with detectives.
- Witness statements in court records describe Sanchez acting erratically, slurring words, holding an unknown substance, and saying “take me to Asia” before a loud pop was heard.
- A 911 caller reported the teen was unconscious and that a vehicle sped away, and fundraisers identify the victim as Jeremiah Thomas.