Five Arrested Following Fatal Altercation Outside Old Town Scottsdale Bar
Five individuals have been arrested following a fatal altercation outside a bar in Old Town Scottsdale. The incident resulted in the death of 29-year-old Thomas John “T.J.” Pizzitola earlier this month. Scottsdale police confirmed the arrests made on Wednesday in connection to this tragic event.
Arrested Individuals
- Drew Meneses, 24, charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault.
- Julius Husser, 27, Tony Becker, 26, and Mark Whitford, 23, charged with aggravated assault.
- Krista Molina, 27, accused of assault and disorderly conduct.
Timeline of Events
On October 10, Pizzitola and two friends arrived at Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge around 10 p.m. They later visited two other bars before returning to Pattie’s between 1:30 a.m. and 1:45 a.m. Staff noticed the group was being disruptive and requested security to remove them. Following this, they called the Scottsdale police.
The police arrived but found no grounds for arrest and allowed the group to leave. Approximately 30 minutes later, as the friends waited for a rideshare, an altercation began after one of them accidentally bumped into Molina. An argument erupted, escalating into violence.
The Fatal Incident
Witnesses reported that Pizzitola’s group was followed by several suspects, including Meneses, who allegedly blindsided Pizzitola with a punch. The blow left Pizzitola unconscious, leading to severe brain injuries. As he lay incapacitated, the suspects attacked Pizzitola’s friends.
| Involved Parties | Age | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| T.J. Pizzitola | 29 | Deceased (brain injuries) |
| Drew Meneses | 24 | Second-degree murder |
| Julius Husser | 27 | Aggravated assault |
| Tony Becker | 26 | Aggravated assault |
| Mark Whitford | 23 | Aggravated assault |
| Krista Molina | 27 | Assault, disorderly conduct |
Legal Proceedings
Pizzitola was taken to the hospital following the incident where he was later pronounced brain dead. Meneses, who has a prior felony conviction, was taken into custody and appeared in court. A judge imposed a cash bond of $1 million.
The police investigation revealed footage of the assault. The situation has left a community in shock, highlighting the dangers of such altercations.
Community Response
Pizzitola’s family opted for organ donation in light of the tragedy. The community mourns his loss, grappling with the implications of violence in social settings.
