Nail Salon Homicide Suspect Confirmed

On February 2, 2018, Lindsey Eastridge was fatally attacked by a male subject with a knife while at a nail salon in East Mesa. Investigators worked diligently gathering evidence and following up on all possible leads. The identification of the individual responsible was still unknown.

On February 28, 2018, a press release seeking the public’s assistance to help identify the individual responsible was distributed. The release contained surveillance photos and video depicting the suspect. With the assistance from Silent Witness, numerous tips were received. Several tips led investigators to focus on an individual by the name of Christopher Race, a 36-year-old Caucasian male who lived at the mobile home community at 8865 E. Baseline. This location is directly next door to the commercial plaza where the homicide occurred. Investigators became aware that Christopher had a reported history of mental illness and was known to possess numerous knives. Further investigation established sufficient evidence for Christopher to be apprehended.

On the morning of March 2, 2018, officers located and approached Christopher. At that time, Christopher immediately advanced towards officers while reaching for something in his waistband. They observed a knife in Christopher’s hands and deployed less lethal beanbag rounds. The beanbag rounds were unsuccessful as Christopher sprinted towards the officers with a knife continuing to pose a threat. Fearing for his life, an officer was forced to discharge his duty weapon. Medical aid was immediately performed on Christopher; however, he was pronounced deceased on scene.

Christopher’s DNA analysis was expedited through the Mesa Police Forensic Lab. Preliminary DNA results indicate a match between Christopher and blood evidence collected at the nail salon homicide scene. Subsequently, the Mesa Police Department executed a search warrant at Christopher’s residence, resulting in the collection of evidence including several knives. Additional forensic testing will need to be conducted to determine if the evidence collected was involved in the nail salon homicide. A motive to this heinous crime has still not been established.

The Mesa Police Department appreciates the efforts of everyone who has assisted with this investigation. The homicide investigators and forensic personnel involved in this investigation worked tirelessly to investigate this senseless homicide and their efforts will hopefully bring a sense of closure to Lindsey’s family. A special Thank You to the community who supported this investigation and provided valuable information to assist in identifying the suspect. Also, it should be noted that our partners, such as Silent Witness and Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN), provided valuable support during this period.