Gilbert teen dies after shooting, suspect charged with murder

Gilbert police say the 16-year-old boy who was shot Dec. 13 has died from his injuries. Authorities said the teen died Dec. 24.

As a result, the charges against the suspect, Rael Sanchez, 21, were upgraded from attempted second-degree murder to premeditated first-degree murder, according to police.

The shooting happened shortly before 8 p.m. on Dec. 13 at a home near Warner and Recker roads. Officers responded and found the victim with life-threatening injuries, police said.

He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, according to police.

Officers learned that Sanchez, a relative of one of the homeowners, was visiting the home at the same time the teen was there to see his girlfriend, police said.

Witnesses reported that Sanchez was acting erratically and was armed with a gun before the shooting, according to police.

Police said Sanchez fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

“Efforts to locate Sanchez began immediately as detectives pursued all available leads,” police said in a statement.

Shortly before 10 a.m. on Dec. 14, Phoenix police located Sanchez through his involvement in an unrelated incident, police said.

Sanchez was arrested and taken into the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, according to police.

“We strongly condemn any form of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time,” read a statement from the Gilbert police.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police step up charges in Gilbert teen’s shooting death