Burglary Arrest

Suspect Mark Sepulveda

On June 24, 2016 the Mesa Police Department brought a burglary investigation to conclusion thanks to the speedy processing of a latent finger print lifted from the scene just seven days earlier. On June 17, 2016 it is alleged that Mark Sepulveda, 48, burglarized a Mesa residence. The Mesa Police Crime Lab processed the finger print, which identified Sepulveda (a local from the neighborhood) as the suspect. Further investigation tied Sepulveda to another burglary on May 20, 2016 and, between the two incidents, produced evidence to charge Sepulveda for Trafficking in Stolen Property, 2nd Degree Burglary and Prohibited Possessor charges.

Neighbors and acquaintances expressed gratitude to the Police Department for promptly solving the case and removing Sepulveda from the neighborhood. The quick response and rapid identification of a suspect would not have been possible without the assistance of the Crime Lab and their efficient turnaround time in processing latent finger prints. Our department recognizes that property crimes often tie into violent crimes and, with the assistance of our Crime Lab, we are committed to stopping violent crimes before they occur.

Residential Burglary Suspect In Custody

On May 18 at 12:07pm, the pictured suspect forced entry into the back door of a residence in the 600 block of North Stapley, then removed several items from the residence. The incident was captured on video.

Suspect Benjamin Norman Floyd, 29-years-old, is now in custody.

Murder/Suicide Prevented

On the afternoon of November 13, 2013 Mesa detectives received information that the suspect, Carlos Hillan, age 34, was planning a domestic violence murder/suicide similar to one we saw in Phoenix two days prior. In that case, the suspect killed his wife and family. He also set his wife’s body on fire before killing himself. Fortunately, a roommate/co-worker became aware of his intentions and called the police.

The suspect was taken into custody at his estranged wife’s house while he was waiting for her to arrive home from work. He was arrested jumping the back wall of the house with a gas can in hand and lighter on his person. When later interviewed, he admitted to his plan and also said that he was going to kill his wife’s current boyfriend and potentially harm their 3-year-old daughter. The mother and daughter were not injured and the suspect was been booked on two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, Attempted Arson and Burglary. During an interview after his arrest, he admitted to his plan to kill his estranged wife and her boyfriend.

This is another tremendous example of “If you see something, say something.” Had the roommates not taken action and called the police it seems clear that we would be talking about another tragedy today. There are not words to describe the immediate and dedicated work of the detectives and officers who stopped this crime before it happened.