A dispute over a parking space turned deadly on the evening of December 14, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. Edith Rivas, 26, was shot and killed in a senseless act of violence.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. in the 1300 block of East Mohave Street, near Sky Harbor Airport.
Responding to reports of a shooting, Phoenix police discovered Rivas suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital but died from her injuries.
The shooter, identified as 34-year-old Gary Parohinog, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
The altercation started when Parohinog became infuriated over Rivas parking her car in a manner that blocked him in the driveway of their apartment complex.
Parohinog allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot Rivas in the shoulder as she tried to push the gun away.
The suspect then pulled out a second weapon and attempted to shoot her again, but the gun never fired. He left the apartment as Rivas yelled at her roommate to call 911 before locking the door.
Moments later, Parohinog forcibly re-entered the apartment, smashing the roommate’s phone as she tried to call authorities before walking into Rivas’ room and shooting her within range again in the chest. The victim’s children were within feet of their mother when she was shot.
He then took off, allegedly striking several vehicles as he fled away.
Parohinog was apprehended shortly after the incident and, during questioning, reportedly admitted to the shooting, citing a “long-standing feeling of despise towards the victim.”
Records indicate that Parohinog had a criminal history, including a recent five-year prison term for armed robbery, aggravated assault, and discharging a firearm within city limits, and was prohibited from possessing a gun. He was released from prison in February 2023.
