3 arrested in killing, mutilation of Phoenix man in alleged anti-gay hate crime
Bernardo Pantaleon's family insist his sexuality, clothing led suspects to rob and kill him
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with last month's murder of a Phoenix man whose friends and family allege was targeted because of his sexuality, according to authorities.
The men have been charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 25 death of 30-year-old Bernardo Pantaleon.
The victim was found dead and naked in a city park, and court records show he was fatally shot, with his body later mutilated with a knife.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
PHOENIX MAN GETS 22 YEARS FOR OPENING FIRE ON NEARLY A DOZEN HOMES IN 6 MONTHS
Police said the suspects sent photos of Pantaleon’s body to his family members. The men were arrested Saturday and remained jailed Tuesday on bonds ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.
Pantaleon’s friends and family have said they believe he was the victim of a hate crime because he was gay and wore glamorous clothing. Police investigators said the suspects -- all in their early 20s — planned to rob Pantaleon and then kill him.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Days after Pantaleon’s death, detectives said social media messages between the three suspects that discuss the murder were reviewed.
"Some made derogatory remarks regarding the victim’s sexuality and a derogatory statement about homosexuals not being allowed" in Phoenix’s northside, according to a probable cause statement.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Police said the suspects were interviewed and all three confessed to the murder. It wasn’t immediately clear Tuesday if any of the men had lawyers yet.