On Wednesday, February 24, 2010, four people were arrested in connection with the murder of 23-year-old Lance Taylor that occurred the evening of Friday, February 19, 2010. Taylor, his wife and mother were at the Circle K convenience store near 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road when he confronted the suspect, Manuel Salazar III, who was apparently going to leave the store without paying for two 30-packs of beer. Salazar, 20, walked back to the cooler, put the beer down, and pulled a handgun pointing it at Taylor and one of the store clerks. As Salazar walked out of the store, he confronted Taylor’s wife, Chalise. They had words and Salazar hit her in the head with the handgun. Lance Taylor went to the aid of his wife where Salazar shot him. Taylor was treated by fire paramedics and transported to the hospital where he died.
A search warrant was served at the home of Salazar’s parents near 40th Drive and McDowell. Arrested at the home were Salazar’s parents, Manuel Salazar-Ochoa, Jr., 44, and Carlotta Retana, 49. Later the same day, Phoenix police also arrested the suspect’s girlfriend, Courtney Stephens, 17, and his sister, Claudia Salazar, 21. Investigators learned that Stephens was with the suspect during the homicide incident on February 19th. Each of the family members is being charged with hindering prosecution in the first degree. Courtney Stephens is facing the same charge.
Manuel Salazar III remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call 9-1-1 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO (Spanish).