Bodycam Released As Phoenix Police Investigate Man’s Death As Homicide

PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix police have released body-camera footage from a south Phoenix family-fight call that ended in the death of 36-year-old Bill Blancas, whose death investigators now consider a homicide.

In an Aug. 10 update, police said detectives determined Blancas became unresponsive during a fight with family members before officers arrived at a home near 44th Street and Baseline Road on July 28.

Officers were called to the home around 4 a.m. after a report of an unknown disturbance, which police later determined was a physical fight inside the residence.

When officers arrived, they found Blancas being restrained by a man and woman, according to police. Investigators said officers received information from family members at the scene that led them to place Blancas in handcuffs.

Police said officers determined Blancas was unresponsive after restraining him, removed the handcuffs and called Phoenix Fire Department personnel. Blancas was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The department released a portion of officers’ body-worn camera footage showing their arrival, Blancas’ handcuffing and the subsequent medical response. Police said the video was released to provide transparency surrounding the incident.

The case does not meet the criteria for a Critical Incident Briefing, the video presentation Phoenix police typically release following certain police-involved deaths, the department said.

Detectives with the department’s Violent Crimes Bureau Homicide Unit are continuing to investigate. Police have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects.

The Office of the Medical Examiner will determine Blancas’ official cause and manner of death.

Police said no additional documents, video or audio recordings will be released while the homicide investigation remains active. The department’s Professional Standards Bureau will also conduct an administrative review, which police said is standard following an in-custody death.

The investigation remains ongoing.