May 20, 2025 Update:

The Gilbert Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in the afternoon of May 19, 2025.

Gilbert officers were dispatched to a neighborhood near Power and Germann Roads shortly before 4:30 PM for a call involving a verbal argument between two adult males. While en route, officers received information that a shooting had occurred. Upon arrival, officers located Manuel Vega Lopez, a 51-year-old male, with gunshot injuries. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and Vega Lopez was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Wyatt Ford, was taken into custody. Ford was booked into the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office on charges of second-degree murder (A.R.S. § 13-1104.A2) in connection with the fatal shooting of Vega Lopez.

This was an isolated incident and there are no outstanding suspects. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Gilbert Police Department reminds the public that charges or submitted offenses are only allegations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless they plead guilty or are proven guilty in a court of law.

Original Release:

The Gilbert Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the afternoon of May 19, 2025, in a residential neighborhood west of Power and Germann Roads.

Gilbert officers responded to a call for service shortly before 4:30 PM, involving two adult males. One individual was located injured and pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later. No other injuries were reported.

There are no outstanding suspects, and there is no threat to the public. Police activity remains isolated to a limited section of the residential street where the incident occurred as the investigation continues.

Additional updates will be provided when available.

GPD Case #25-90767