Phoeni Girlfriend Seeks Justice for Boyfriend Shot by Pro-Palestinian Demonstrator
A Phoenix woman is calling for accountability and an independent investigation following the death of her boyfriend, Paul Franco, who was fatally shot during a confrontation involving pro-Palestinian demonstrators on July 4. Franco, 51, was killed in the parking lot of his apartment complex after an argument escalated between him and demonstrators, which began at a nearby protest and carried over to his residence.
According to the woman, the incident started with demonstrators shouting outside the apartment complex, prompting Franco and her to respond by throwing eggs. The confrontation intensified, with protestors allegedly entering the complex, leading to further altercations. She claims Franco was defending her during a physical assault when he was shot. In response, the alleged shooter claimed self-defense, a stance that remains under police review.
The case has drawn controversy, with Franco’s family questioning the impartiality of Phoenix police in the investigation. The shooter is reportedly involved in an ongoing lawsuit against the department over arrests made during a 2020 protest, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest. The family and legal experts are urging Phoenix police to transfer the investigation to another agency, such as the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, to ensure a fair review of the self-defense claim.
Phoenix police have stated they are conducting a thorough investigation, analyzing surveillance footage and witness testimonies, before forwarding the findings to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for possible charges. Franco’s family continues to push for justice, arguing that the current investigation setup risks undermining accountability【7】【8】【9】.
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