In a ππ½πΈπΈππΎππ incident that has left the Phoenix community reeling, a man has been arrested following the tragic death of a wheelchair user who was discovered tied to his chair and abandoned in the sweltering heat. The victim, identified as 33-year-old Aaron Goodyke, was found near a canal on June 25, with temperatures soaring to a staggering 105 degrees.
According to reports from KPNX, authorities received a call that evening regarding a man in distress. Upon arrival, they found Goodyke in a dire situation, bound to his wheelchair with plastic bags, and sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Eyewitnesses recounted seeing Goodyke earlier, mumbling to himself, and one witness returned only to discover the tragic outcome.
The investigation revealed that Gloria Barajas had offered Goodyke a place to stay just a week prior. After being evicted from his hotel, Goodyke reportedly reached out to Barajas, who was friends with his family. Barajas later told investigators that Goodyke had been refusing food and water and was hesitant to seek medical help, despite her urging.
Barajas claimed that when she finally convinced him to go to the hospital, her son, Hector Corrales, 41, and another unidentified man attempted to transport Goodyke. However, Barajas alleged that Goodyke became agitated during the ride, leading to a chaotic scene where the two men returned home without him.
Authorities discovered that Goodyke had suffered an amputation of his left leg due to diabetes, which made him reliant on a wheelchair. Surveillance footage from Barajasβ property reportedly captured Corrales and his companion tying Goodyke to the chair, raising serious concerns about the circumstances leading to his death.
Initially, Corrales was taken into custody on a separate warrant but later faced charges related to Goodykeβs death. As of June 29, he was booked on suspicion of kidnapping and first-degree murder, according to KPNX.
This heartbreaking case has sparked outrage and concern within the community. What could have led to such a tragic end for Goodyke?