Phoenix Police Fatally Shoot Wrong Man During Home Invasion

Family says officer mistakenly killed patriarch Christian Diaz Rendon instead of intruder

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:39am

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A Phoenix family is in disarray after a police officer mistakenly shot and killed 36-year-old Christian Diaz Rendon during a home invasion, instead of the actual intruder. Rendon's stepson Jarvias Rosas says Rendon had disarmed and was holding down the intruder, who was the adult son of the family's landlord, when the officer arrived and fatally shot Rendon.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about police use of force and transparency, as the Phoenix Police Department has not released key details about the shooting or the identities of those involved. The family is seeking answers, justice and accountability for Rendon's death at the hands of an officer who they say shot the wrong person.

The details

According to Rosas, seven people were in the family's home when they heard shots from outside. Rendon told his family to take cover as the intruder shot through the sliding glass window and forced his way in, shooting one of the family's younger sons in the ankle. Rendon then tackled the intruder, disarmed him, and called 911. When police arrived, Rosas' mother told them Rendon had the intruder subdued, but an officer entered the home and fatally shot Rendon instead.

  • On Monday evening, the incident occurred at the family's home near Lower Buckey Road and 75th Avenue in southwest Phoenix.
  • More than 14 hours after Rendon was shot, his body was finally brought outside the residence in a body bag.

The players

Christian Diaz Rendon

A 36-year-old man who was fatally shot by a Phoenix police officer during a home invasion, despite having disarmed and subdued the actual intruder.

Jarvias Rosas

Rendon's 21-year-old stepson who was not present during the incident but arrived afterward and described the events to the Phoenix New Times.

Phoenix Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the home invasion call and whose officer fatally shot Rendon, the family's patriarch.

Intruder

The adult son of the family's landlord who broke into the home, shot one of the family's younger sons, and was subdued by Rendon before the police arrived.

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What they’re saying

“Sorry doesn't help. Sorry is not gonna put food on the table. Sorry is not going to pay the next month's rent. Sorry is not going to be the father figure for these kids. That's like putting a Band-Aid on a broken vase.”

— Jarvias Rosas, Rendon's Stepson (phoenixnewtimes.com)

“When they told me that my father died, I was just in disbelief. I was in shock. I didn't think it actually happened. I thought maybe it was a bad dream, maybe it was a joke, maybe it was a prank.”

— Jarvias Rosas, Rendon's Stepson (phoenixnewtimes.com)

What’s next

The Arizona Department of Public Safety's Major Incident Division is investigating the shooting and the 'aggravated assault that occurred prior to police arrival.' The Phoenix Police Department has not released the name of the officer who fired the fatal shot.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for greater police accountability, transparency, and de-escalation training to prevent the unnecessary loss of innocent life. The Rendon family deserves answers and justice for the death of their patriarch at the hands of an officer who they say shot the wrong person.