Suspect linked to homicide seen in court
UPDATE (10:31 P.M. on Saturday)
The man accused is identified as 50-year old John Nate Gardea Sr.
Gardea is facing a felony of premeditated murder in the 1st degree. Gardea Sr. is on $1,000,000.00 bond. His next court appearance is June 5th.
Yuma Police Department said Edward Rowland Jr. was found with gunshot wounds in the area of 1st Avenue. He was transferred to Yuma Regional Medical Center but died three hours later.
Today the courtroom was covered with emotions with Gardea making eye contact with the victim’s alleged father. We caught the moment on camera and followed up on the relationship he has with Gardea.
UPDATE (10:31 P.M.)
A suspect linked to the homicide that happened early Friday morning has been arrested, authorities said.
The Yuma Police Department arrested 50-year-old John Nate Gardea Sr. at around 5:30 p.m. at the Knight’s Inn located at 2730 S. 4th Ave.
YPD encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Remember if your information leads to an arrest you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.
ORIGINAL STORY
The City of Yuma Police Department responded to an altercation with shots being fired in the 900 block of South 1st Avenue, at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Friday, June 1.
When officers arrived they found a man who had been shot and transported him to Yuma Regional Medical Center.
The man was pronounced dead at 6:22 a.m.
The incident is still under investigation.
The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Remember if your information leads to an arrest you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.
