Man charged with murder after downtown Tempe shooting

Aidan Zepeda, 23, accused of killing 22-year-old Jacob Jaime, Jr. and injuring another man

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and other crimes following a deadly shooting in downtown Tempe over the weekend. Aidan Zepeda is accused of shooting and killing 22-year-old Jacob Jaime, Jr. and injuring another man near several bars in the area of 4th Street and Mill Avenue early Saturday morning.

Why it matters

The shooting in downtown Tempe, a popular nightlife district, has raised concerns about public safety and gun violence in the area, especially near late-night establishments. The incident also comes amid ongoing debates around gun control and crime prevention measures in the city.

The details

According to police, officers responded to the sound of gunshots around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday and found Jaime suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital, but he died shortly after. A second man was also injured, but not seriously. Zepeda was arrested early Monday morning and is facing charges including murder, attempted murder, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and endangerment. He is being held on a $2 million bond, but investigators have not released details on what led to the shooting.

  • The shooting occurred around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2026.
  • Zepeda was arrested early Monday morning, May 1, 2026.

The players

Aidan Zepeda

A 23-year-old man who has been arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and other crimes in connection with the downtown Tempe shooting.

Jacob Jaime, Jr.

A 22-year-old man who was killed in the downtown Tempe shooting.

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What’s next

Zepeda is being held on a $2 million bond, and the judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to be released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in balancing vibrant nightlife with public safety, and the need for comprehensive solutions to address gun violence and protect innocent lives.