A Mesa jury has returned a not guilty verdict for Peter Clabron III, who faced charges in the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old student in May 2023. Clabron was acquitted of both manslaughter and discharging a firearm. The incident occurred at a residence in Mesa, which is located approximately 16 miles northwest of Queen Creek.
Clabron, who was 18 years old at the time of the arrest, was charged with killing Jeremiah Aviles, a senior at Red Mountain High School and a student-athlete. Police reports indicate that Aviles was visiting the home when the shooting took place. Family members and friends were reportedly present in the house during the event.
According to court records, Aviles, Clabron, and a third individual were inside one of the home’s bedrooms when the incident unfolded. Law enforcement obtained video footage that allegedly showed Clabron pointing a gun at Aviles multiple times before shots were fired. Aviles was pronounced dead at the scene.
The defense and prosecution presented conflicting accounts of who discharged the weapon. Court documents show that Clabron initially blamed another person for the shooting. However, a witness told police that Clabron was handling the firearm when it went off. The witness stated that Clabron appeared surprised when the gun was fired.
Aviles was remembered by his peers after his death. Friends of the deceased student honored his memory during their own graduation ceremonies by wearing shirts and customized pins in his tribute.
