TUCSON, AZ – A tragic event unfolded at a pawn shop in Tucson, resulting in the deaths of two men and the arrest of two suspects. The incident occurred at the Quick Trip Pawn Shop on Prince, just east of Flowing Wells. Surveillance footage captured the entire sequence of events, which authorities described as disturbing.
David Javier Maldonado, 44, allegedly entered the shop, fired a round into the ceiling, and exchanged gunfire with employee Anthony Tarli, who later died from his injuries. Maldonado also reportedly shot and killed customer Francisco Vejar.
Manny Carrillo, a local resident, expressed disbelief over the violence, noting that pawn shops are typically secure due to the presence of firearms.
Court documents reveal that Maldonado and 23-year-old Amari Taivonne Harris initially visited the shop to discuss firearms and pawned an item before returning later. During the second visit, Harris remained in the car while Maldonado allegedly committed the shootings and theft of firearms.
Both suspects were arrested in the Phoenix area shortly after the incident. Maldonado faces first-degree murder charges and robbery charges. Harris, who claims ignorance of the homicides, also faces charges. All stolen firearms have been recovered.
A judge set bonds for Harris and Maldonado at $1 million and over $2 million, respectively. The Tucson Police Department praised the ATF and other law enforcement agencies for their swift action in apprehending the suspects.