TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Authorities have identified one of three suspects in the fatal shooting of a Tucson Police recruit and are asking for help to find all three men.
Late Thursday, Aug. 20, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it has obtained a first-degree murder arrest warrant for 33-year-old Alex James Barnett.
The PCSD said it is looking for Barnett and three other men in connection with the deadly home invasion early Wednesday, Aug. 19.
According to court records, Barnett has a long and violent criminal history in Pima County. He has been in and out of prison over the last decade and was most recently released in late 2025.
- In 2012, he was sentenced for child abuse, theft, and drug possession.
- In 2013, he was convicted of theft and credit card fraud.
- In 2021, he was convicted of vehicle theft, weapons misconduct, burglary, and identity theft.
- In 2024, he was convicted of unlawful imprisonment.
The PCSD released video of Barnett and the other men. The videos, which can be watched below, are from two different locations and times.
The first video is from the Shell gas station at 5405 West Valencia Road around 5:30 a.m., minutes before the fatal shooting. Barnett and one of the other suspects were seen at the store.
The other video, taken near Palo Verde and 33rd Street a few hours after the shooting, shows the third suspect. Earlier in the day Thursday, the PCSD announced that the suspect’s vehicle had been found near the Palo Verde and 33rd Street area.
The vehicle was located about 30 minutes from the crime scene, a home in the 7700 block of South Enchanted Spring Drive.
Early in the morning on Wednesday, 23-year-old Carlos Ramirez was found shot to death in his home while his pregnant fiancée, a current PCSD corrections officer, was injured.
According to a GoFundMe started by Brynn Perez, Aaliyah is expected to survive her injuries, and her unborn child is expected to be OK. Perez also said that Aaliyah, one of his coworkers, has two other children.
As of 4 p.m. Thursday, more than $10,000 has been raised for Aaliyah.
“This does reach all of us,” said Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. “These members of my department, the members of the Tucson Police Department, and their family members are also members of the Department of Public Safety, which is also here in support. I can’t do this without the support of others. It’s tough on our teams, but I appreciate whatever the community can give us to help us get through this.”
Law enforcement community reacts to murder of Tucson Police recruit
“This is a tragic event and a tremendous loss for our community, the city, our department,” said Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto. “Our efforts are focused on assisting family members and our staff as we get through this difficult time. We plead with the public if they have any information to please report it to 911.”
FAMILY AND FRIENDS REACT
The owner of Rosita Coffee Company, a coffee cart in Tucson, said the woman shot was her sister and that she was pregnant.
She claimed the shooting was not random, and also said her sister and fiancé have other children.
Stacey Marshall Jr., a former University of Arizona football player who may have been in the academy with the victim, posted a message about Ramirez.
“You would annoy me, but all you were doing was trying to hold me accountable and make me better,” Marshall said of Ramirez. “Your demeanor, the way you spoke, and your officer presence would’ve made you a great cop. You will forever live on.”
NEIGHBORS NERVOUS FOLLOWING ATTACK
13 News’ Kayla Butter spoke to other homeowners in the area of the shooting, and they were both heartbroken and nervous following the shooting.
Some said they worry the shooting will paint their neighborhood in a bad light and could lead to more crime.
But they told Kayla they have been trying to help law enforcement by offering information and security video.
Some told Kayla they didn’t know about the incident until deputies knocked on their doors in the morning looking for leads.
“Like right around 6 a.m., me and my kids just heard a bunch of sirens – sadly looked out the window and could see just a ton of sheriffs and fire, ambulances coming through – very alarming,” said Laura De La Torre, who lives in the area.
Others told 13 News that the law enforcement presence is just not something they are used to in the Star Valley Neighborhood.
One resident who did not want to go on camera told Kayla they moved to the area specifically because she thought it would be safer.
She said she now feels unsafe, especially because the suspects have not been caught and she has a kid who comes home late due to school and work.
“Well, nervous – nervous because you don’t know what to expect. Are they gonna come back?” she said.
TUCSON POLICE DEPARTMENT’S STATEMENT
The Tucson Police Department released the following statement about Ramirez’s death:
“The Tucson Police Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Carlos Ramirez, a member of Basic Recruit Class 26-1. Carlos was fatally shot early this morning. His fiancée was also injured and is currently receiving medical care. Our thoughts are with Carlos’s family and loved ones, his fiancée, and his classmates, instructors, and academy staff during this difficult time.”
“Carlos had completed 23 weeks of training at the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center. He was scheduled to graduate from the academy on August 27, 2026. His passing is deeply felt by his classmates and the entire TPD family.”
“The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating this incident. The Tucson Police Department remains in contact with the Sheriff’s Department, is closely following developments, and is prepared to provide assistance. We will share additional information as appropriate and as it is released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.”
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