Double killing in Arizona investigated as a hate crime

TUCSON, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) - A double killing in Arizona is being investigated as a hate crime.

The Tucson Police Department (TPD) said they were called a little after midnight Monday to the Venture-N bar.

There, they said they found three adult men who had been shot. Two men, identified as 42-year-old Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and 33-year-old Cameron Davis Capara, were pronounced dead at the scene while the third man, who police believe was the shooter, died at the hospital.

Investigators say it appears 44-year-old Ousman Ceesay confronted the men in the parking lot before shooting them.

They said he had a note listing several LGBTQIA+ associated businesses, but TPD hasn't said how Ceesay was shot.

The investigation is ongoing.

In response to the shooting the AZ LGBTQIA+ Caucus released a statement on the shooting saying:

"Our hearts are broken for Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara, two of our neighbors whose lives were taken in a senseless act of violence in Tucson this morning. They were at an LGBTQIA+ establishment, enjoying a night out, when a moment of joy turned into a nightmare. No one should become a target because of who they are or who they love. 

The fact that the suspected shooter had a list of other LGBTQIA+-friendly businesses he may have intended to target is deeply alarming. This is an attack on our community and authorities are investigating this as a hate crime. We must let that investigation continue. This tragedy reminds us that homophobia causes real harm.

Words matter. What we say matters. The way we talk about our LGBTQIA+ neighbors matters. Hate can have devastating consequences. Our hearts hurt for Vincent and Cameron’s families, their loved ones, and everyone in Tucson grieving today. Tragedies like this are a painful reminder of the work still ahead to make sure LGBTQIA+ Arizonans can live openly, safely and with dignity. 

We will not look away. We will continue to stand with our community, speak out against hate, and fight for an Arizona where no one is targeted simply for being who they are."

Rep. Adelita Grijalva also released a statement regarding the shooting, saying in part, "This horrific attack is a painful reminder that even in welcoming communities like Tucson, hate and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community still exist."