Phoenix, Arizona – Phoenix police say a disturbing domestic violence case unfolded this week when a man allegedly shot his girlfriend in the head with a gun he kept under his pillow, wrapped her in a blanket, and drove her body to a precinct in the back of his pickup truck. Authorities say the suspect confessed in the parking lot as officers discovered the victim’s body in the truck bed.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, 36-year-old Josue Barreras Anaya is charged with first-degree murder after allegedly killing his girlfriend, 32-year-old Jessica Guzman, inside his Phoenix home. Police say the incident began when a gun Anaya kept under his pillow fell to the floor, startling Guzman and sparking a heated argument.
Court documents indicate that during the fight, Anaya claimed he reached for the weapon and Guzman tried to grab it. Two shots were fired, and one struck Guzman in the head, killing her instantly. Instead of calling 911, police say Anaya wrapped her body in a comforter and transported her to a police precinct.
Timeline of Events
Authorities say the shooting happened early Tuesday morning inside Anaya’s residence. After allegedly killing Guzman, Anaya used his GMC Sierra pickup truck to move her body.
He then drove to the Maryvale Estrella Mountain Precinct on Encanto Boulevard. Around 5 a.m., officers were standing outside when Anaya reportedly flagged them down and informed them there was a deceased person in his truck. When officers looked inside the truck bed, they found Guzman’s body wrapped in bedding.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Brian Bower said the situation was shocking for responding officers, noting in a statement:
“When you’re a patrol officer, you don’t expect somebody to come to you and just tell you that there’s an individual deceased in the back of the truck and that you’re responsible for.”
Details from Police and Court Documents
Police processed Anaya’s hands for gunshot residue and asked routine investigative questions. Court papers indicate he soon requested an attorney. Throughout initial interviews, Anaya maintained that the shooting happened during a struggle over the gun.
Investigators, however, have charged him with first-degree murder, citing the seriousness of the act and his decision to transport the body instead of immediately seeking help.
Anaya was booked into jail and placed on a $1 million bond, where he remained as of Thursday.
One integrated source described the incident and included statements from police and family members.
Family’s Reaction and Witness Accounts
Jessica Guzman’s brother, David Guzman, spoke emotionally about the loss of his sister. He criticized Anaya’s actions and described how the family had concerns long before the shooting.
In one of his statements, he said:
“He loaded up my sister in the back of his truck like it was roadkill.”
He further explained that the family had repeatedly warned Jessica about what he described as Anaya’s abusive behavior. According to David, Jessica had previously mentioned being isolated from her family and mistreated by the suspect.
“We all tried to wake her up and make her see the danger that she was in,” he said, adding that Anaya “kept on weaseling his way back into her life.”
Additional Context
Domestic violence experts frequently warn that abusive relationships can escalate quickly, especially when firearms are present. According to national statistics, the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by over 400%.
In this case, court records suggest an ongoing pattern of alleged abuse and isolation—factors commonly seen in relationships that turn deadly. Advocates emphasize the importance of early intervention and support for victims who fear leaving dangerous partners.
Community Support and GoFundMe
A GoFundMe created by the Guzman family describes Jessica as a “daughter, sister, and a mother.” She leaves behind a young son now coping with the loss of his primary caregiver.
The fundraiser page reads:
“Her son has lost the most important person in his life, and her mother is grieving not only a daughter, but the pillar who helped her through every step of life.”
The community has begun contributing to help support Jessica’s son and assist the family with funeral and memorial expenses.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, Anaya awaits his next court appearance while Jessica’s family mourns the loss of a mother, sister, and daughter taken too soon. The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence, firearm safety inside homes, and the need for early intervention when loved ones show signs of being in dangerous relationships.
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