David Denogean: Family remembers high school track coach as murder remains unsolved

PHOENIX – On November 29th, friends and family of David Denogean gathered to remember his life.

We have been reporting on the Denogean murder case for the past few years. The shooting occurred just after 6 p.m. on November 25, 2022, on a sidewalk in front of a restaurant north of 12th Street and Bethany Home Road.

Denogean, then 30, was reportedly shot while walking his girlfriend’s dog.

“We know that David was leisurely walking his dog and was in no hurry to get away from anyone, and then this guy shows up and changes our lives forever,” Denogean’s father Frank said in 2023.

Denogean, who was working as a high school track and field coach at the time of the shooting, died at the hospital. Surveillance footage released by Phoenix police showed what happened shortly before the murder. A man could be seen running towards Denogean from behind and then pointing a gun at him.

“Small but mighty” group gathered for a walk and vigil

On Friday evening, a group that Denogean’s father called “small but mighty” gathered for a memorial walk and vigil in hopes of spreading the word about the senseless act.

“We gather on the sidewalk at the spot where we lost our brother,” a deacon said during the vigil.

Denogean’s father, Frank, prayed at the spot where his son was killed. He said he was worried the case could gather dust.

“I would be lying to you if I told you there was progress because we never hear anything and that is very disheartening for us as a family,” Frank said.

Frank said two years was long enough to go without answers and that while David would not be brought back, an arrest could potentially prevent further violence from occurring.

“Our only consolation is that this person could be taken off the streets so he doesn’t hurt someone else and destroy another family,” Frank said.

As the search for those responsible continues, there is good news for Denogeans on Black Friday.

“Today our son Daniel and his wife gave birth to their second child and it was a boy and they named him after David,” Frank said.

Anyone with information should leave an anonymous tip by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Spanish speakers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO.

If you require further information about this case, please contact Testigo Silencioso line (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446).