On January 14, 2026, the lead case detective in a 2017 homicide case proactively identified and brought to light concerns regarding procedures within the Property and Evidence unit in preparation for court proceedings. An independent administrative investigation was immediately requested, which was conducted by the Chandler Police Department. An external firm has also been retained to conduct a comprehensive review of property and evidence processes, provide an objective assessment, and recommend additional safeguards. The assessment will begin in April 2026.

A department internal audit, which began on October 14, 2025, was also completed on January 30, 2026. The audit determined a 99.99% accuracy across the more than 54,000 pieces of property and evidence within our possession. 

The Goodyear Police Department will continue to cooperate fully with all investigative and review processes and remains committed to transparency while safeguarding the integrity of the judicial system. As this matter is connected to active and ongoing legal proceedings, the department will not provide additional comment or participate in interviews until all judicial proceedings are complete, in order to avoid any potential impact to the court process.