Inset: Brandon Alvarez (Maricopa County Jail). Background: The vicinity of 39th and Maryland avenues in Phoenix, Arizona, where Alvarez allegedly shot and killed his stepfather (Google Maps).
An internet outage at an Arizona home sparked a man to murder his stepfather, authorities allege.
Phoenix police reported that officers responded at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Sunday to a residence near 39th and Maryland avenues after 31-year-old Brandon Alvarez dialed 911, confessing that he had shot his stepfather, Jaunarius Moreno. Upon arrival, officers discovered the 57-year-old Moreno suffering from several gunshot injuries.
The incident was triggered when the internet connection was accidentally interrupted during the installation of a new service, according to a criminal complaint obtained from local CBS affiliate KPHO. Family members anticipated this would anger Alvarez, prompting them to contact Moreno, who was not present at the house, to address the issue.
However, Moreno was reportedly annoyed that Alvarez, along with his wife and their two kids, were accessing the internet without payment. After arriving home, Moreno took a flashlight and headed to the backyard to investigate. It was then, according to the complaint, that he encountered his stepson sitting by a wood fire.
Allegedly, Moreno dropped the flashlight and advanced toward Alvarez “empty-handed and in a forceful manner.” Alvarez purportedly drew a firearm and discharged it four times, striking his stepfather. Alvarez reportedly explained to the police that he feared Moreno might attempt to attack him or seize his gun. Before calling 911, he checked on his children, who were present during the shooting, then placed the gun in the bedroom.
First responders pronounced Moreno dead at the scene.
Authorities concluded that Moreno did not pose a threat to Alvarez as he was unarmed. Alvarez now faces charges of second-degree murder and remains in custody at the Maricopa County Jail.
