Phoenix soccer game attack leaves 19-year-old dead

A 19-year-old man died after being assaulted by several people during a soccer game in west Phoenix earlier this month. The death of Tumusifu Bazirake was being investigated as a homicide, police said. Investigators learned Aug. 13 that Bazirake had died from his injuries, spokesperson Jon Hansen sa

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What is the story about?

A 19-year-old man died after being assaulted by several people during a soccer game in west Phoenix earlier this month.

The death of Tumusifu Bazirake was being investigated as a homicide, police said.

Investigators learned Aug. 13 that Bazirake had died from his injuries, spokesperson Jon Hansen said in an Aug. 14 news release.

Police found a man, later identified as Bazirake, unresponsive in a field near 43rd Avenue and Hubble Street at about 8:02 p.m. Aug. 6.

Bazirake was playing soccer when a fight broke out, Hansen said. Several people assaulted him and then ran away.

Phoenix firefighters took Bazirake to a hospital in extremely critical condition where he later died. The cause of his death was pending an autopsy, Hansen said.

The suspects remained

unidentified and outstanding.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377). Spanish speakers can call 480-TESTIGO (480-837-8446).

Have a news tip? Contact The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com at newstips@arizonarepublic.com.

Rey Covarrubias Jr. is a reporter for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@azcentral.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. 

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix soccer game attack leaves 19-year-old dead