A father was fatally shot at a Phoenix apartment complex, and two years later, a suspect has been identified with the help of a baseball cap, according to court documents. Steven Rashaad Deloach, aged 31, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Dominic Daughtrey in 2022.
The tragic incident unfolded as Daughtrey, 39, was sitting in his truck in the parking lot of a Phoenix apartment complex with a friend. A man approached their truck, alleging that Daughtrey had assaulted one of his friends. This led to a group of individuals gathering around the truck. Daughtrey’s friend tried to intervene and defuse the escalating situation.
Court records indicate that Deloach was waiting in the breezeway of the apartment complex before emerging and shooting Daughtrey multiple times. Daughtrey succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and Deloach reportedly fled in an SUV, leaving behind his baseball cap.
During the investigation, Daughtrey’s friend, who was intoxicated at the time of the incident, was unable to positively identify the shooter. It was later revealed that Daughtrey had been involved in a physical altercation with an individual known as Ras, who was later identified as Deloach.
In a significant development, DNA evidence played a crucial role in linking Deloach to the crime. Police obtained a DNA sample from Deloach during his arrest in January and confirmed a match with DNA found on the baseball cap left at the crime scene two years earlier. Consequently, Deloach was apprehended on Wednesday and is currently held on a $750,000 bond.
The case underscores the perseverance of law enforcement in solving cold cases and bringing perpetrators to justice. The swift action taken by Phoenix investigators highlights the importance of forensic evidence in resolving long-standing criminal investigations.
The arrest of Steven Rashaad Deloach sheds light on the meticulous work undertaken by authorities to seek justice for the victims and their families. As the legal proceedings progress, the community awaits further updates on this tragic incident that has left a family shattered, but with a glimmer of hope for closure.