Mesa Murder Suspect Arrested in Texas

After 13 days investigating the murder of 24yo Xzavia Williams in Mesa, the Mesa Police Department in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force as well as the Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force has succeeded in bringing justice to Xzavia’s family.  

On January 15, 2021 just before 2:00 a.m. Officers were on a traffic stop around 435 E. 2^nd St Mesa, AZ when they heard a gunshot.  Officers began searching the area just as dispatch received a call for service at this location.  When officers arrived, they located a 24yo female with a gunshot wound.  The female was pronounced deceased on scene.  

Mesa Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and began their investigation to find Xzavia’s killer.  

During the investigation, Detectives were able to access video surveillance obtained from the apartment complex where Xzavia was murdered.  This video showed the suspect and his vehicle.  It also showed the suspect holding a white Styrofoam cup, which was found in a bush by Xzavia’s apartment. 

A canvass of the area gave Detectives further video of the suspect and his vehicle at a Circle K, prior to the shooting.  

After 5 days of investigation, DNA analysis of the Styrofoam cup provided Detectives with the name of the suspect, Cherdon Mitchell. 

Cherdon’s driver’s license photo and registered vehicle were compared to what the apartment complex and Circle K video captured and were found to be a match.  

Immediately, Detectives sought and were granted a 2^nd Degree Murder warrant for the arrest of Cherdon.  

On January 28, 2021 Cherdon was taken into custody in Frisco, Texas by the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force after receiving a request for assistance from the Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force.  He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

“The swift development of intelligence and teamwork displayed by all agencies involved led to the arrest of this dangerous fugitive,” said United States Marshal David Gonzales. “The Marshals Service is proud to assist our partners to ensure the accused is held accountable, wherever they may flee.” 

The Mesa Police Department is honored to make this announcement and to showcase the importance of working together with not only our community, but also our law enforcement partners to bring justice to Xzavia and her family.

Attempt to Identify - Commercial Burglary Suspects

We need your help identifying two suspects involved in a commercial burglary that occurred on 1/20/21 at 932 W 1st Ave, Mesa.  

At approximately 2 am, two suspects stole five Hilti brand demolition hammers valued at $1959 each along with a pressure washer. The suspects left the scene in what appears to be a 2007-2010 Saturn Aura with oxidation on the hood and roof and possible damage to the drivers side door. 

Suspect 1: Unknown Male. Last seen wearing a dark hoodie w/ dark pants

Suspect 2: Caucasian Male. Last seen wearing a dark hoodie w/ dark shorts & dark sneakers, appx 6’0” average build

If anyone has information on these suspects or the crime they committed please contact the Mesa Police Department non emergency number at 480-644-2211. We appreciate your help. 

  

Mesa Police Report 2021-12196

Shooting Suspect Arrested

On January 25, 2021 around 4:15 p.m. Mesa Police Officers responded to a shooting call at 4450 E. Southern Mesa, AZ. When they arrived, they found a 36-year-old man with gunshot wounds to his lower body. This man told officers that his ex-wife’s boyfriend had shot him because he made a comment about his driving. 

Officers spoke to several witnesses on scene and learned that the suspect, Nicholas McSorley, had shot the victim multiple times after a verbal argument involving him and his ex-wife. Nicholas remained on scene and was arrested. 

After receiving medical attention, investigators learned that the victim had 10 bullet wounds to his body. This included entry and exit wounds. 

The victim is in stable condition. 

Nicholas was booked into jail for one count Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, ARS 13-1204A2, a class 3 felony. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Home Invasion Suspect - Identified and Arrested

Detectives and Officers have been working around the clock and thanks to assistance from the public and good investigative work a suspect in recent home invasions and attempted sex assault has been arrested. 

The suspect has been identified as 18 year old Darrus Love Bracewell. The following is a brief synopsis of the investigation and subsequent arrest. 

 The series of Home Invasions began on 12-10-20 when the suspect followed a female victim and her juvenile daughter to her apartment door and placed a screwdriver against her side. He pushed the victim inside and immediately demanded cash from the victim. When the victim stated she did not have any cash, he told her he was going to injure her daughter. The suspect punched the victim several times in her face during this incident. The screwdriver was found in the apartment and collected. At that time, all evidence was collected and analyzed however nothing returned as a match to known files. A crime bulletin was sent out with a composite sketch and no leads or witnesses were located. 

 On 01-20-21 through 1-22-21, three more reports were made by victims stating they were approached at their doors and forced into their apartments by a male suspect matching the description of the male described in the 12-10-20 case. During these investigations, a video from a Ring security camera recorded the suspect outside of one of the victim’s doors. That video was used to create a bulletin which was shared with media and on MPD social media pages. Leads were followed up by several units and investigators were able to identify the suspect as Bracewell by showing the video to family and close contacts of his. 

As detectives searched for Bracewell they identified him as a suspect related to two previously unsolved shoplifting cases at the Circle K at Power and McKellips earlier this month. 

 On 01-24-21 at approximately 1:30 pm Bracewell was located and detained. Bracewell was interviewed and confessed to all the incidents in question however he denied any sexual motivation during any of the incidents. Based on the statements of all victims, evidence collected, and Bracewell’s confession, Attempted Sexual Assault was not chargeable. 

 Bracewell was charged with one count of Armed Robbery, one count of Burglary in the 1st degree, two counts of 2nd degree burglary, one count of Attempted Burglary, one count of Robbery, and one count of Shoplifting. Bracewell was booked into the Mesa Jail for numerous felony charges stemming from this investigation. 

Once he was booked, Bracewell attempt to hang himself with his shirt and Detention Officers intervened. During that incident two Officers were assaulted causing two additional counts of Aggravated Assault. 

 We are grateful to all the citizens who reached out and provided information to help us identify Bracewell. We are proud of the many Officers and Detectives who spent countless hours working to identify and search for the suspect before he could victimize any further citizens.

Darrus Love Bracewell DOB:6/4/2002

Public Safety Announcement – Help us identify Attempted Sex Assault Suspect

The Mesa Police Department is seeking your help identifying a suspect believed to be involved in four incidents of home invasion and attempted sexual assault. The four incidents involve female victims in apartment complexes between Dobson and Alma School north of Southern in Mesa. The suspect has either pushed his way into the victim’s apartment or has entered through unsecured doors and has become violent in his attempt to commit sexual assault.

Pictures have been obtained from one of the incidents and we are asking the public to be aware and to help us identify this man.

The suspect is described as a Black Male in his 20s between 5”10 - 6’, athletic build, short black hair in approximately 1-2 inch twists. In two of the incidents the suspect was seen wearing a black hoodie with “Premiere Soccer” in green lettering.

 

The four related incidents are as follows:

1- 1030 S STEWART - 12/10/20

2- 1030 S STEWART - 1/20/21

3- 1840 W EMELITA - 1/21/21

4- 1620 W SOUTHERN AVE - 1/21/21

(Times have varied between 9:30 pm and 7 am)

Please call 480-644-2211 if you have any information or call 911 in an emergency.