Phoenix Police Arrest Suspect in 2024 West Phoenix Homicide

Raymond Drinkhouse booked on murder charge in death of Mark Montano

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Phoenix police have identified and arrested Raymond Drinkhouse in connection with the November 2024 death of Mark Anthony Montano, whose body was found behind a west Phoenix apartment complex. Drinkhouse has been booked on one count of murder, and the investigation remains active as detectives continue to collect evidence.

Why it matters

This arrest marks a significant development in a case that had previously been treated as a general death investigation before homicide detectives took over. The booking of a suspect highlights the ongoing efforts of Phoenix police to solve violent crimes and bring those responsible to justice.

The details

Officers were first called to the scene on November 12, 2024, after a witness found Montano's body near community dumpsters at the apartment complex. Homicide detectives took over the investigation and have now arrested Drinkhouse, who has been booked on one count of murder. Police have not released specific details about the evidence that led them to Drinkhouse, but they say the investigation is still ongoing as they continue to interview witnesses and process new information.

  • On November 12, 2024, officers responded to a report of a body found near dumpsters at a west Phoenix apartment complex.
  • On Wednesday, Phoenix police announced the arrest and booking of Raymond Drinkhouse on one count of murder in the death of Mark Montano.

The players

Raymond Drinkhouse

A suspect who has been booked on one count of murder in the death of Mark Montano.

Mark Anthony Montano

The victim whose body was found behind a west Phoenix apartment complex in November 2024.

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What’s next

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office will review the police investigation and decide on formal charges and upcoming court dates for Raymond Drinkhouse.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the persistence of Phoenix police in investigating homicides and their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice, even in cases that may have initially appeared to be general death investigations.