Bernardo Pantaleon: Three arrested in grisly murder of Phoenix man as his family raises hate crime concerns

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

PHEONIX, ARIZONA: Phoenix police arrested three suspects in the horrific murder of Bernardo Pantaleon, 30, whose body was found in a park on November 26.

The victim's family has raised concerns that Pantaleon, who was openly gay, may have been targeted in a hate crime, as per AZFamily.

Bernardo Pantaleon's body was discovered on a trail near Mountain View Park

On November 26, Bernardo Pantaleon's body was found on a trail near Mountain View Park, located at 7th and Peoria Avenues. According to police statements, the body showed signs of significant trauma, including gunshot wounds.

Family members said Pantaleon was found naked, having been severely beaten and tortured before his death. The brutality was apparently so extreme that detectives recommended the family not view the body.

Law enforcement officials thoroughly searched the crime scene, gathering evidence and utilizing databases to identify suspects. Within days, three men, Jose Rodriguez, 20, Leonardo Santiago, 21, and Manual Carrasco Calderon, 21, were arrested in connection with Pantaleon's murder.

Three suspects admitted to brutally torturing and murdering Bernardo Pantaleon

All three suspects apparently confessed to the crime after being taken into custody at Phoenix police headquarters. They currently face a litany of charges, including first-degree murder.

Santiago has been charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder, assisting a street gang, and committing crimes against a dead person. Calderon faces identical charges.

Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, assisting a street gang, and crimes against a dead person. Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the horrific slaying.

Due to Pantaleon's sexual orientation, his family has voiced fears that he was specifically targeted and victimized in an anti-gay hate crime. Police have not yet confirmed if hatred or bias contributed to the murder.

GoFundMe campaign launched to help Bernardo Pantaleon's family

Friends and family are reeling from the shocking loss and brutal nature of Pantaleon's murder. "There's no words that can describe what a good, genuine, good energy type of person that he was," said a close friend, Rafael Martinez.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Pantaleon's grief-stricken family and assist with funeral costs. At the time of writing, it has been able to raise $3,000 of the $10,000 goal. 

As the investigation remains ongoing, police urge anyone with information about Pantaleon's murder to come forward and contact authorities.