Phoenix police book suspect in 2024 Maryvale apartment homicide after DNA and autopsy findings

Arrest announced more than a year after body was found behind west Phoenix complex

Phoenix police have booked a suspect in the November 2024 killing of a man whose body was discovered near dumpsters behind a west Phoenix apartment complex in the Maryvale area. Investigators identified the victim as Mark Anthony Montano, 38, and the suspect as Raymond Drinkhouse, 44.

Officers first responded on Nov. 12, 2024, after a witness alerted patrol units to an injured man near a community dumpster area at the Graybriar Apartments near 55th Avenue and Indian School Road. Montano was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. Early information released at the time described the discovery as a death investigation while detectives worked to determine what happened.

Autopsy findings and DNA processing shaped the case timeline

Investigators later obtained medical examiner findings that classified Montano’s death as a homicide. Court records describe the cause of death as asphyxia associated with strangulation and airway obstruction. The records also describe evidence recovered during the autopsy, including a plastic shopping bag found in Montano’s mouth and throat.

Police collected DNA from Montano’s clothing and items described in court documents and submitted the evidence for testing at the department’s crime laboratory. Investigators have said that, at the time of the killing, there were no identified witnesses or immediate leads pointing to a suspect.

Search warrant and follow-up work preceded booking

As the investigation continued, detectives sought additional forensic comparison. Court records indicate a judge authorized a search warrant on Jan. 16, 2026, to obtain Drinkhouse’s DNA while he was in custody on unrelated matters. Investigators later reported that laboratory results associated Drinkhouse’s DNA with multiple items tied to the scene and autopsy findings, including a safety vest described as having been wrapped around Montano’s neck.

During a police interview outlined in court documents, Drinkhouse denied knowing Montano and denied having been in a fight. When shown photographs of items connected to the case, he denied having seen or touched them, while also acknowledging he previously owned a traffic-style vest but said he discarded it.

Charge status and next steps

• Drinkhouse was booked on one count of second-degree murder.
• The case remains under investigation, with detectives continuing to interview witnesses and process information.
• Prosecutors are expected to review the investigation and determine formal charging decisions as the case proceeds through court.

A booking reflects an arrest and an allegation; the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.