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Phoenix, Arizona (KPHO/KTVK) — The family of a man shot and killed while on his way to the store last week spoke out for the first time.
The shooting happened on 15th Avenue near Camelback Road, killing 28-year-old Stephon Lopez.
Lopez’ mom, Monique Parran, said they knew the suspect, Cowan Brown, but never expected him to harm their family.
According to court documents, Lopez was shot two times before he died at the hospital. His mom said he was on his way to the convenience store.
The documents said Brown had been standing with another woman when the shooting began. The report said that woman gave officers her phone because she had planned to record a sexual encounter with Brown, and was recording when the shots were fired.
The court documents also said Brown ran to the neighbors and asked to use their phone, and they told officers they overheard him telling somebody he had just shot a man.
Lopez’ mom said her son knew Brown from around the apartment complex, but never expected her son to be in danger.
She says the worst part is the day her son died was when her grandson celebrated a birthday without his dad.
“My son was killed on his only son’s birthday. His son was turning 5 years old on the day he was killed. It’s heartbreaking for my grandson, and my whole family,” Parran said. “I pray for justice.”
Parran said Lopez had just recently moved to Arizona from California to live with her since she was living alone.
Brown was arrested three days later for second-degree murder but told police he didn’t know anything about a shooting.
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