Somerton murder investigation continues

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Just days after the murder of 27-year-old Leo Melendez, the Somerton Police Department (SPD) continues to ask the community to come forward with any tips to help the case.

Melendez was a well-known barber in the Yuma and Somerton communities and just six months ago, he left his place of work at Stay Faded Barbershop to venture out and start his own business.

Owner of Stay Faded Barbershop, Omar Carrasquillo, says Melendez was his apprentice and always put his best foot forward whenever he stepped into work.

Carrasquillo continued to say Melendez made anyone who sat in his chair feel at ease.

“The clients loved him, he had a heart of gold, you know? He was a very, very friendly guy. Very charismatic. Everybody here was in awe when everything happened," said Carrasquillo.

Belen Torres, the mother of the son she and Melendez shared says she’s grateful for how present of a father he was.

Torres said even after they split he continued to show up with open arms to keep a healthy co-parent relationship.

“I mean if anyone knows anything, you know, from my heart I plead for them to give my son justice for his dad and for my son’s little sister," said Torres. "You know, they deserve that at least. They didn’t deserve to have their dad ripped away from them at such a young age."

Officers say Melendez was shot down in his own garage early Monday morning.

Friends tell us Melendez was a local barber who cut hair from his garage for some time after finishing his apprenticeship at Stay Faded Barbershop.

On May 30, around 3:34 a.m., SPD's public information officer, Lieutenant Jose Garza says they were dispatched to 428 E. Orchid at about 3:35 a.m. about a man being shot inside his own garage.

Lieutenant Garza says a family member inside the home made the call.

Melendez was taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

“We are mainly asking our community to come forward if they have any information that they perceive may be able to help us identify the shooter or shooters. We’d appreciate that," said Lt. Garza.

He leaves behind two children, a boy and girl.

You can help Leo's family cover funeral expenses by donating to his GoFundMe or attending Stay Faded Barbershop’s car wash on Avenue B and 24th Street this Saturday at 6 p.m. where they will also sell Leo's favorite, loaded french fries.

The case is still under investigation.

If anyone has any information about the case, please contact the Somerton Police Department at (928) 722-7326 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.