Brother Kills Brother Over Cell Phone Dispute

A heated argument over a cell phone on August 22nd resulted in the fatal shooting of Tony Twelve Gage Ruiz, 37, by his brother, Tomas Felipe Ruiz, 33, in Tonopah, Arizona. The confrontation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical altercation, culminating in Tomas Ruiz allegedly firing a weapon.

During the ensuing chase, Tony Ruiz attempted to conceal himself beneath a vehicle. Despite his efforts to hide, Tomas Ruiz reportedly knelt and fired a fatal shot at his brother. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived at the scene to find Tony Ruiz deceased under the vehicle.

The incident also involved the brothers' mother and her boyfriend, who was present at the time. The boyfriend sustained a gunshot wound to his arm after reportedly telling Tomas Ruiz he was going to jail. Both Tomas Ruiz and the wounded boyfriend were transported to a hospital for treatment.

Tomas Ruiz, who also received medical attention for an injured leg, was later booked into jail. He faces charges including first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 1st, and he is being held on a $1 million bond.