Gilbert Man Arrested After Killing Landscaper Mistaken As Intruder

In Gilbert, Arizona, Wyatt Ford, 28, was arrested for the shooting death of Manuel Vega Lopez, a landscaper hired by Ford's landlord to trim trees at the rental property. Ford mistakenly believed Lopez was an intruder connected to recent theft and vandalism of his trailer, which led to a confrontation and ultimately Ford shooting Lopez four times. Despite Ford's belief, Lopez was unarmed, carrying only a pole saw used for landscaping, and had previously visited the property to confirm the job. Witnesses reported hearing the argument and gunshots, with Ford expressing regret immediately after the shooting. Ford's wife had informed police of their suspicions about Lopez prior to the incident, and Ford is now held on a $1 million bond amid concerns he might flee the state. Police continue to investigate the case, emphasizing the fatal misunderstanding that led to Lopez's death.