Executive Summary
- Dominic Baysinger, 19, was fatally shot at Tempe Marketplace during an online sale meetup.
- Fernando Gallegos was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery.
- Prosecutors allege the meeting was a planned robbery involving the exchange of a ring and money for a gun.
- A judge set Gallegos’ bond at $1.2 million despite defense objections regarding his lack of criminal record.
Authorities in Tempe, Arizona, have arrested and charged Fernando Gallegos with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Dominic Baysinger at Tempe Marketplace. The incident, which occurred on December 1, allegedly stemmed from an online transaction that turned violent, according to the Tempe Police Department.
Police responded to the scene near RoadRunner Sports at approximately 11:00 a.m. after reports of gunfire. Investigators determined that Baysinger and his girlfriend had arranged to meet the suspect in the parking lot to exchange money and a ring for a firearm. Baysinger was pronounced dead at the scene.
During an initial court appearance on December 2, prosecutors alleged that the shooting was a premeditated act. They stated that Gallegos planned to commit an armed robbery rather than complete the transaction. "This could have been completely avoided had the suspect, on December 1st, not decided to commit an armed robbery and ultimately shoot and kill the 19-year-old victim," prosecutors argued during the hearing.
Gallegos is currently being held on a $1.2 million cash bond. His defense attorney objected to the bond amount, citing the suspect’s employment at Amazon, his family obligations, and a lack of prior criminal record. The judge, however, granted the state’s request based on the severity of the charges.
Judicial Proceedings and Public Safety Context
As the investigation transitions into the judicial phase, the case highlights the inherent risks associated with in-person exchanges arranged through digital marketplaces. Law enforcement agencies frequently advocate for the use of designated "safe exchange zones," often located at police stations, to mitigate the threat of robbery or violence during such interactions. Gallegos is scheduled to return to court next week for a status conference and preliminary hearing to address the charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
