Santiago Jorge Rogers was arrested in Tucson on August 22, in connection with the first-degree murder of Tucson police recruit Carlos Ramirez. Meanwhile, a manhunt continues for a second suspect, Alex James Barnett, following the fatal shooting inside Ramirez’s home.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of 39-year-old Santiago Jorge Rogers following a coordinated early-morning operation on August 22. The regional SWAT team and the department’s Fugitive Investigations Unit, assisted by the FBI, executed a first-degree murder arrest warrant at a Tucson hotel located near Palo Verde Road and Irvington Road. Rogers was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex in connection with the homicide investigation.
The Manhunt for Alex James Barnett
Authorities are still actively searching for 33-year-old Alex James Barnett, whom officials identify as a suspect in the murder of 23-year-old Tucson police recruit Carlos Ramirez. Ramirez was shot and killed inside his home on August 19. Law enforcement issued a Blue Alert on the night of August 20, describing Barnett as a bald man with distinctive arm tattoos. Records show Barnett carries a lengthy criminal history involving child abuse, theft, and unlawful imprisonment.
Investigators report that Barnett was last seen wearing a red shirt and a black leather vest. He was riding a maroon 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHXS motorcycle bearing Arizona license plate DA466. Officials consider him armed and dangerous, warning the public not to approach him and instead to call 911 immediately.
The Investigation and Second Suspect Status
Hours after Rogers was taken into custody, Pima County officials announced that a second suspect in the case had been located. Surveillance video had previously captured this individual leaving a vehicle believed to be tied to the crime before walking away. Authorities have not yet released the identity of this person.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department stated that detectives are currently working to determine his involvement in this case.
Detectives have also released surveillance footage from Tucson showing other potential suspects connected to the case. One person was seen with Barnett at a Shell station located on Valencia Road, while another appeared on camera exiting the suspect vehicle near Palo Verde Road.
Impact on the Victims and Law Enforcement Community
The shooting took the life of Carlos Ramirez, a 23-year-old police recruit whose death prompted a massive regional response. Ramirez’s 23-year-old fiancée, who serves as a current corrections officer with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, was also shot during the incident. Officials report that she is expected to survive her injuries.
The involvement of multiple agencies—including the Tucson Police Department, local sheriff deputies, and federal investigators—highlights the scope of the manhunt. Information regarding the ongoing investigation has been compiled across multiple public safety updates from regional law enforcement.
How the Public Can Assist the Manhunt
Law enforcement agencies continue to urge anyone with relevant details to come forward. Information regarding the whereabouts of Alex James Barnett or details concerning the ongoing investigation can be reported directly to emergency services.
Members of the public who prefer to remain anonymous can submit tips by calling 88-CRIME. Authorities emphasize that any sighting of Barnett or the specified maroon Harley-Davidson motorcycle should be reported to law enforcement immediately without attempting direct contact.
