Tempe Gunman Shoots Neighbor, Sets Fire to Apartment Before Turning Weapon on Himself

By: Ciara Perez | Investigative Journalist | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published October 6th, 2025

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Tempe Gunman Shoots Neighbor, Sets Fire to Apartment Before Turning Weapon on Himself

TEMPE, Ariz. (October 6, 2025) — A Tempe man is behind bars after allegedly shooting a neighbor to death, setting fire to his own apartment, and then turning the gun on himself in a chilling attack that stunned an entire community.

According to the Tempe Police Department, 39-year-old Blaine Blystone was arrested on October 5 after being released from the hospital. He now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, for a violent and calculated act that took place on September 26 at an apartment complex located at 800 E. Curry Road.

Police say 38-year-old Gustavo Gonzales was sitting in his car around 3:00 p.m., preparing to leave, when Blystone opened fire from inside his apartment, striking Gonzales multiple times. Neighbors called 911 after hearing the shots and seeing the wounded man slumped inside his vehicle.

Gonzales was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries, but he was later pronounced dead.

As officers arrived at the scene, they discovered that Blystone had also set his own apartment on fire and shot himself in the stomach. He attempted to leave through his garage, where he was quickly detained by police.

At first, Blystone told officers that unidentified people had shot him and started the fire, but investigators found clear evidence linking him to both the shooting and arson. Following surgery, Blystone confessed, telling detectives the attack was planned, though he claimed he did not know the victim personally.

After being medically cleared, Blystone was booked into jail on the following charges:

First-Degree Murder (Class 1 Felony)
Arson of an Occupied Structure (Class 2 Felony)
Discharging a Firearm at a Nonresidential Structure (Class 3 Felony)
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm (Class 6 Felony)

Tempe Police expressed gratitude to the community members who immediately called 911 and cooperated with investigators, as well as to the officers, firefighters, and detectives who worked together to bring a dangerous situation under control.

“This was a terrifying and tragic act of violence,” police said, “but thanks to the quick response and community support, we were able to ensure the safety of nearby residents and begin the process of justice for the victim and his family.”

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