PHOENIX (AZFamily) — In a significant breakthrough in a long-standing cold case, the Phoenix Police Department has announced this week the arrest of a suspect in the 1998 murder of Sarah Jane Carr, a mother tragically slain 26 years ago.
Javier Lorenzano-Nunez, now 58, was apprehended in Mexico after authorities linked him to the brutal shooting death of 28-year-old Carr, a case that had haunted her family and friends for decades.
On the fateful night of July 9, 1998, just before midnight, police received a frantic 911 call reporting a shooting at a residence located near 14th Street and McDowell Road.
“A girl got shot! Okay, don’t hang up!” the caller urgently exclaimed, providing an immediate sense of the chaos unfolding at the scene.
During the 911 exchange, the operator pressed for details, asking, “Who shot her? It’s a man,” indicating the urgency of identifying the shooter.
Once officers arrived, they gruesomely discovered that Carr had been shot in the face and succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.
Authorities revealed that detectives initially had only a nickname linked to the suspect, leaving them without a confirmed identity throughout the investigation.
“We knew who did it, but we just didn’t have the name of the person,” shared Phoenix Police Detective Dominick Roestenberg from the cold case homicide unit, reflecting on the challenges investigators faced for years.
The witness who saw a man fleeing the crime scene would not see Lorenzano-Nunez again for nearly two decades, illustrating the elusive nature of justice in this case.
The investigation grew cold until 2016, when detectives finally identified Lorenzano-Nunez, who allegedly had gone by the alias “G.”
After years spent in California following the crime, Lorenzano-Nunez had been residing in Mexico for the past decade, evading authorities.
An indictment and arrest warrant was issued by the Phoenix Police Department and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in a determined effort to seek justice for Carr and her family.
Working tirelessly, detectives contacted the U.S. Justice Department, collaborating with Mexican law enforcement to locate and apprehend the fugitive.
Finally, Lorenzano-Nunez was booked on one count of premeditated first-degree murder after being returned to Phoenix late Wednesday evening, indicating a pivotal moment in the long fight for justice.
“They didn’t think justice was going to come for them and their family,” stated Sgt. Rob Scherer, emphasizing the prolonged suffering experienced by Carr’s loved ones.
Garrett Miller, Carr’s son, who is now a police officer in Austin, Texas, shared that this tragic event was a significant factor in his choice to enter law enforcement, driven by his desire to ensure others do not experience a similar lack of justice.
“I know she’s super proud of Garrett and all of her kids. They’re all doing really well. She’s probably crying tears of joy right now,” expressed Peggy Carr, Sarah’s sister, conveying the emotional weight of the situation.
“If I could give people a glimmer of hope that something could be done or some type of closure I would try and do so because I don’t want them to feel the way I felt,” said Miller, reflecting on the pain of unresolved grief.
Interview with Detective Dominick Roestenberg on the Arrest in the Sarah Jane Carr Cold Case
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Detective Roestenberg. This week, the arrest of Javier Lorenzano-Nunez has brought some closure to a long-standing case. Can you tell us about the initial challenges your team faced in the investigation?
Detective Roestenberg: Thank you for having me. The case of Sarah Jane Carr was particularly challenging because, from the very beginning, we only had a nickname—“G”—to work with. The witness who saw a man fleeing the scene provided that name, but we lacked a full identity, which made the investigation frustrating for all involved.
Editor: It is astonishing that the case went cold for nearly two decades. What was the turning point in the investigation that led to Lorenzano-Nunez’s identification?
Detective Roestenberg: In 2016, we were able to piece together more information and finally matched the alias to Javier Lorenzano-Nunez. Through various leads and advancements in investigative techniques, we were able to establish a more concrete link to him over the years, which ultimately led to his arrest in Mexico this week.
Editor: The murder of Sarah Jane Carr has undoubtedly left a profound impact on her family and friends. Can you share how their reactions have been now that an arrest has been made?
Detective Roestenberg: The family has endured an unimaginable heartache for 26 years, and it is incredibly emotional to see them experience a sense of relief now. They may never fully heal, but knowing that there is movement in the case provides them with some solace. Connecting with them through this process has been a humbling experience.
Editor: As a detective working on cold cases, what does this breakthrough mean for your team and the community?
Detective Roestenberg: This case is a prime example of perseverance in law enforcement. It reinforces our commitment to pursuing justice no matter how long it takes, and it sends a message to our community: we won’t forget. Families should know that we are always working to find answers for them.
Editor: Thank you, Detective Roestenberg, for your insights and your dedicated work on this case. We hope that further developments bring continued justice and closure for Sarah Jane Carr’s family.
Detective Roestenberg: Thank you. It’s been my honor to be part of this process, and we will continue to pursue justice for all victims and their families.
Nd impact on her family and community. How has the Carr family reacted to the news of the arrest, and what does it mean for them?
Detective Roestenberg: The Carr family has shown incredible resilience over the years. I had the opportunity to speak with them after the arrest, and they expressed a mix of relief and disbelief. They never gave up hope, but the toll of waiting for justice has been immense. This arrest is a pivotal moment for them, a chance to finally feel a sense of closure after 26 long years.
Editor: What kind of collaboration took place between the Phoenix Police Department and Mexican authorities to apprehend Lorenzano-Nunez?
Detective Roestenberg: It required a coordinated effort involving the U.S. Justice Department and Mexican law enforcement. We shared all our findings and made a case for their assistance in locating Lorenzano-Nunez. The collaboration was crucial, as he had gone completely off the radar after fleeing the initial scene. When we confirmed his location in Mexico, swift communication allowed us to coordinate his apprehension.
Editor: What message do you hope this arrest sends to other victims’ families who may be experiencing similar situations in cold cases?
Detective Roestenberg: I hope this sends a clear message that we will never stop pursuing justice, regardless of how long it takes. Our detectives and the law enforcement community are committed to these cases, and we want families to know that they are not forgotten. The struggle for justice is ongoing, and we take each case personally. There is hope, and we will continue working tirelessly until justice is served.
Editor: Thank you, Detective Roestenberg, for sharing these insights and for your dedication to bringing closure to families like the Carrs.
Detective Roestenberg: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to serve and seek justice for victims and their loved ones.
