City of Phoenix Press release Re: Hector Bautista Arrest
Phoenix PD Arrests Homicide Suspect in 2003 Cold Case
November 15, 2024 4:00 PM
Detectives with the Phoenix Police Department Cold Case Homicide Unit have arrested a suspect in a deadly shooting 21 years ago.
On January 11, 2003, officers responded to a shots fired call near 41st St. and McDowell Rd. When police arrived, they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, identified as 57-year-old Anton Matous, was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
Homicide detectives assumed the investigation and learned that now 42-year-old Hector Bautista and another male suspect tried to rob the victim. The victim was shot in the process of the armed robbery.
Investigators were able to identify Bautista in a photo lineup and learned he fled the country immediately after the shooting. Phoenix police and its local and federal partners have been attempting to locate, arrest and extradite him since 2003.
With the help of the United States Marshals Service, Bautista was extradited to Phoenix and arrested Friday morning.
“Ever since this cruel and senseless murder occurred in 2003,” detective Dominick Roestenberg said, “the Phoenix Police Department, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service have worked tirelessly to get justice for Anton and his family.”
Bautista was charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. The second suspect in this case was arrested and charged in 2003 and has since been convicted of crimes related to this investigation.