March 4, 2018 Homicide Suspect Arrested

On March 4, 2018, Mesa Police received a call for service about a black adult male lying or sleeping in the middle of the street by the light rail construction just east of the intersection of Stapley Road and Main Street, in Mesa.  When officers arrived, they located 34-year-old Robert Henry Stevenson unresponsive with multiple stab wounds.  He was pronounced deceased on scene by Mesa Fire and Medical.

During the initial investigation officers were able to locate the crime scene at the Frontier Motel located at 1307 E. Main Street, just west of where Mr. Stevenson was found.  Through witness information it was subsequently determined that the possible suspect involved was Derick Eugene Holman.  Mr. Holman apparently went to 1307 E. Main and confronted Mr. Stevenson who was the ex-boyfriend of Holman’s wife.

Detectives later located Mr. Holman at a relative’s residence in Phoenix at approximately noon on March 4^th.  Evidence supportive of his involvement in the Homicide were also found on Mr. Holman.  He was taken into custody and booked for one count of Second Degree Murder, a class one felony.

The Mesa Police Department worked non-stop to locate the individual responsible. Their ability to follow up on limited details, locating, and arresting a suspect within 24 hours of the incident is remarkable. These types of incident are challenging, especially when there are partial details. An outcome such as this, can provide the victim’s family and community with a sense of closure and relief.

Derick Holman

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.

Arrest Made in Stolen Dog Case -- BeBe Still Missing

On March 1, 2018,  Mesa Police detectives made a break in case involving BeBe, the missing dog. Two suspects have been arrested for stealing the dog on February 24, 2018, from the Animal Clipper.  Detectives interviewed Izabella Bujanda, an employee at the “Animal Clipper” and she confessed to concealing BeBe by covering her with a towel and walking out the back door. She then handed BeBe to her boyfriend Anthony Barrera who was waiting in a car behind the business.

Anthony was interviewed today and he confessed to his part of the crime. According to both suspects, they decided to get rid of BeBe due to the publicity this case was receiving in the media. On Tuesday, Anthony allegedly drove BeBe to a neighborhood in Las Sendas, possibly near Power and Thomas, where he said she was released near the front yard of a residence. 

At this time, BeBe has not been located. We hope residents in the area may have additional information to help us bring BeBe home to her owner.  If you have seen or found BeBe, please contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211, option 2 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

Both Anthony and Izabella have been charged with one count of Theft, a Class 3 Felony.

Anthony Marc Barrera, age 20

Izabella Santa Bujanda, age 20

BeBe