Suspect Arrested for 2024 Maryvale Apartment Murder

Police make arrest over a year after body found near dumpster in Phoenix neighborhood

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Over a year after a man was found dead next to a dumpster in the Maryvale neighborhood of Phoenix, police have arrested 44-year-old Raymond Drinkhouse in connection to the 2024 murder of 38-year-old Mark Montano.

Why it matters

This arrest provides some closure for the Maryvale community, which has faced high rates of violent crime in recent years. The case also highlights the challenges police can face in solving cold cases, even with an 'extensive and robust investigation' over 14 months.

The details

On November 12, 2024, Phoenix police officers patrolling an apartment complex near 55th Avenue and Indian School Road were stopped by a witness who reported finding Montano's body near the community dumpster. After determining Montano was unresponsive, police pronounced him dead at the scene. Following a 14-month investigation, detectives identified Drinkhouse as the suspect and took him into custody on Wednesday, booking him on one count of murder.

  • On November 12, 2024, Montano's body was found near a dumpster in the Maryvale neighborhood.
  • Police made the arrest of Drinkhouse on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Raymond Drinkhouse

A 44-year-old man arrested and booked on one count of murder in the 2024 death of Mark Montano.

Mark Montano

A 38-year-old man found dead next to a dumpster in the Maryvale neighborhood of Phoenix in 2024.

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What’s next

Prosecutors will now build their case against Drinkhouse, and the judge will determine whether to grant him bail as the legal process moves forward.

The takeaway

This arrest provides some closure for the Maryvale community, which has faced high rates of violent crime, but also highlights the challenges police can face in solving cold cases even with extensive investigations.