Phoenix Police Make Arrest In Stray Bullet Killing Of Girl

By Jack Johnson
Published: Monday, June 28, 2021 - 6:18pm
Updated: Monday, June 28, 2021 - 6:19pm

Phoenix police have made an arrest in the fatal shooting Friday of 15-year-old girl Graciela Molina. After two days of knocking on doors and interviewing witnesses, the department took 35-year-old Fernando Pina into custody on multiple charges, among them reckless manslaughter and endangerment, on Sunday evening. 

Pina was suspected of firing his gun at a block wall separating a utility lot and the neighborhood of Molina. One of the bullets missed Pina's target and entered through Molina's second-floor bedroom window, striking her in the neck. Her room was set in between her father's and her 11-year-old sister. 

On Monday, Phoenix police held a press conference declaring their arrest of Pina, who was known around his neighborhood as "Nando." Assistant Chief Michael Kurtenbach applauded witnesses' efforts in tracking down Pina. 

"A courageous individual came forward and provided us with information that led to a break in this case. In less than 40 hours after this senseless crime, we are able to affect this arrest,” Kurtenbach said. 

On Sunday, police connected the bullet casings found around the neighborhood and in Molina's bedroom to a firearm owned by Pina.