PHOENIX — Police have released the identity of the teen who was allegedly accidentally shot and killed at a Phoenix motel Sunday night.
The boy has been identified as 14-year-old Jeremiah Ricci, according to Phoenix Police Department.
Ricci’s mother Jewell Griffen, 40, was booked on multiple charges in relation to the incident including child abuse.
Details on Phoenix motel shooting
Officers responded to a motel near 27th Avenue and Union Hills Drive around 10:45 p.m. regarding reports of a shooting.
When police arrived, they allegedly found a teenage male who was unresponsive and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
The Phoenix Fire Department arrived on scene and pronounced the teen dead.
Police proceeded to detain multiple people inside the motel room and learned the Griffen had left not long after their arrival.
She was taken into custody when she returned to the motel later that night, police said.
According to Phoenix police, while speaking to witnesses, detectives learned that Griffen allowed the victim and his teenage brother to “handle the firearm” while in the motel room. While doing so, the gun discharged and struck one of the teen boys.
Police noted that additional charges could be added when the investigation is complete.
No other information was provided.
This is an updated version of a story originally published in August 11, 2025.
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