WILLCOX — Willcox Department of Public Safety is reporting it has taken into custody a suspect in the stabbing death of a 54-year-old man.
The suspect initially identified himself to officers as a witness to the crime, but other witnesses and evidence at the scene pointed to this person as the primary suspect in the incident. During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to committing the crime.
Willcox Police officers responded to Kieller Park on Sunday morning, following reports of a stabbing. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, and transport to Northern Cochise Community Hospital for further treatment, the victim succumbed to his injuries from multiple stab wounds.
The victim was identified as Gerardo Carreno-Rojas, 54, of California.
The suspect was booked into Cochise County Jail on charges related to first-degree murder.
“I want to personally thank our officers and detectives for their hard work, determination and attention to detail in solving this tragic crime. I also extend my gratitude to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office for their invaluable assistance in processing the scene,” Chief Dale Hadfield said in a prepared release.
