Carlos Ramirez Obituary, TUCSON, Ariz. — Carlos Ramirez, 23, a Tucson Police Department recruit and former Pima County corrections officer, was killed in a shooting at a home in Pima County early Wednesday morning, August 19, 2026. A current corrections officer, identified as Ramirez’s fiancée, was also injured in the shooting and transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a home in the 7700 block of South Enchanted Spring Drive, near Valencia Road and State Route 86/Ajo Highway, shortly after 6 a.m. following reports of a shooting. When deputies arrived, they found Ramirez suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ramirez was a member of the Tucson Police Department’s Basic Recruit Class 26-1. Before entering the police academy, he had served as a corrections officer with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, continuing his career in law enforcement as he worked toward becoming a Tucson police officer.
He had completed 23 weeks of law enforcement training at the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center and was scheduled to graduate from the academy on August 27, 2026. His death came just days before the scheduled graduation, according to information released by authorities and the Tucson Police Department.
The Tucson Police Department confirmed Ramirez’s death and said his loss has deeply affected his classmates, instructors and the department. The agency said Ramirez’s family, fiancée and fellow academy members are receiving support following the shooting.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos described the shooting as a devastating event for law enforcement personnel and their families. Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto also expressed condolences, describing Ramirez’s death as a tragic loss for the department and the community and saying efforts were focused on supporting family members and department staff during the difficult period.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the shooting, and authorities are searching for two suspects. Investigators described the suspects as Hispanic men wearing all-black clothing and ski masks and are also seeking a possible gray 2007-2013 Acura MDX that may have a missing fuel door. Authorities have not publicly released a possible motive, and the circumstances that led to the shooting remain under investigation.
The case remains active as detectives work to identify and locate those believed to be connected to the shooting. Authorities are warning the public not to approach anyone they believe may be involved and are urging anyone with information about the suspects, vehicle or shooting to call 911 immediately. Ramirez’s death leaves his family, fiancée, academy classmates and fellow law enforcement personnel mourning his loss as the investigation continues.
