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Mayor's statement on shootings

Posted 7/12/19

Mayor Ginny Dickey has issued a statement regarding two shooting incidents that occurred in Fountain Hills during this past week.

“This week the Town of Fountain Hills was unfortunate to have …

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Mayor's statement on shootings

Posted

Mayor Ginny Dickey has issued a statement regarding two shooting incidents that occurred in Fountain Hills during this past week.

“This week the Town of Fountain Hills was unfortunate to have experienced two separate, unrelated shooting incidents that resulted in the deaths of two people,” Dickey said. “On Monday, an out of town relative committed suicide after an altercation with the family he was visiting. Last night [Thursday] a man was shot and killed after getting into a fight in the parking lot of Bruno’s bar with another patron.”

Maricopa County Sheriff’s detectives reported that two men got into physical altercation inside Bruno’s Sports Bar but were outside when one of the men took out a handgun and fired several shots, one of them striking the second man.

Emergency responders were called at about 11:30 p.m. Thursday. The victim was given CPR by bystanders until firefighters arrived. The man was taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries where he later died.

The suspect has been identified as 25 year old Christopher Charles Ruether of Fountain Hills. The decedent has been identified as 28 year old Matthew Dylan Gilmore.

The first incident on Monday occurred around 6 p.m. at a residence in the 15200 block of Blackbird Drive. MCSO confirmed Friday morning that the man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“We are very sorry for those involved in these firearm incidents in Fountain Hills,” Dickey said. “As much as some would like to have all the information immediately, please be patient as there are ongoing investigations and also family privacy issues to be respected. Things are not always as they seem, and speculation can be hurtful.

“Please rest assured that if there was any existing danger, or if the public's assistance would be helpful, our law enforcement professionals would keep us well-informed. This was the case and will be going forward.

MCSO has released updated information on both of these incidents. The safety of our community is our top priority.”