Landscaper sent by landlord to trim trees shot dead by renters [View all]

[Demovictory9]

https://www.wifr.com/2025/05/21/renter-accused-killing-landscaper-sent-by-landlord-trim-trees-front-yard/

GILBERT, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — An Arizona man is accused of shooting a landscaper who was sent to trim the trees in the front yard of the home.

Police say Wyatt Ford, 28, was arrested on Monday afternoon following the shooting death of 51-year-old Manuel Vega Lopez.

According to court documents, Ford’s wife called 911 around 4:30 p.m. to report that her husband was confronting a man outside their home on Ironhorse Road.

She reportedly told dispatchers that she and her husband believed the man had tried to vandalize and steal from their trailer a few nights ago.

The woman also told authorities that her husband carried a concealed handgun.

As officers were responding, additional witnesses called 911 to report hearing multiple gunshots.

Police arrived moments later to find Vega Lopez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while Wyatt was detained nearby.

https://www.wifr.com/2025/05/21/renter-accused-killing-landscaper-sent-by-landlord-trim-trees-front-yard/


According to the police report, Ford's wife explained to detectives that the two were renters of the residence and recently bought a trailer because they were moving out of state soon.

In the past few days, they found their trailer vandalized.

She also explained that a neighbor told them that a man, later identified as Lopez, was outside the residence in the evening hours a few days prior.


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The wife later confirmed to detectives that she received a message from the landlord in a group chat with Ford that the landlord was sending out a landscaper to trim the front yard trees. Ford reportedly replied to that text.

During a police interview with the landlord, he reported receiving a notice from the Town of Gilbert about trimming the front yard trees of the residence.

The landlord contacted Lopez about doing the work. The landlord went to the residence that evening and took a photo of the trees that needed cutting and sent it to Lopez.

Lopez then went to the same residence later that night, took a photo, and sent it back to the landlord to confirm he would be able to cut it.