The county attorney’s office said a man shot another resident at the “transitional living” space near 42nd Drive and McDowell Road.
PHOENIX — Michael Lanunziata was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the deadly shooting at a Phoenix group home in 2024, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
The county attorney’s office said Lanunziata shot another resident at the “transitional living” space near 42nd Drive and McDowell Road in January 2024.
Five men, including Lanunziata and the victim Joseph Lephiew, were living at the facility at the time.
Lanunziata shot Lephiew after an argument, killing him, and then left the home through a second-story window, officials said. Officers spoke to Lanunziata while he was on the roof of the home.
Lanunziata attempted to say the shooting was in self-defense, but this statement was proven wrong in court.
“Inconsistent statements from Lanunziata, who manufactured a reality to fit his claim, proved the shooting was not in self-defense,” the county attorney’s office said.
Lanunziata was convicted on one count of second-degree murder.
>> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app!
The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.
12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.”
Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.