Phoenix, Arizona — An Arizona man is facing murder and kidnapping charges after investigators alleged he helped restrain a disabled friend to a wheelchair before leaving him in extreme heat near a canal, where the man was later found dead.
According to court documents, Hector Corrales, 41, was arrested in connection with the June 25 death of Aaron Goodyke, 33, whose body was discovered after being abandoned outdoors during dangerously high temperatures in Maricopa County.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as police continue searching for another man allegedly involved in the incident.
Police Say Victim Was Restrained Before Being Abandoned
According to an arrest affidavit, Goodyke had been staying at the home of Corrales’ mother after reportedly being displaced from a hotel.
Family members told investigators that Goodyke had been experiencing serious health problems in the days leading up to his death.
Police said the victim, who had diabetes and recently underwent a below-the-knee leg amputation, had stopped eating and drinking, causing concern among those around him.
Investigators allege Corrales and another man attempted to take Goodyke to a hospital, but the situation changed after he reportedly became combative.
According to police, the two men then restrained Goodyke by securing his hands to his wheelchair using plastic bags. Court documents also allege the victim fell backward during the encounter, striking his head after the wheelchair tipped over.
Investigators Say Victim Was Left in Extreme Heat
Authorities allege that after restraining Goodyke, one of the men pushed the wheelchair to a nearby canal and abandoned him there.
According to investigators, outdoor temperatures at the time exceeded 105 degrees. Police said Corrales’ mother questioned the men after one returned home, asking where Goodyke had been taken.
According to the affidavit, she was allegedly told that he “was fine.”
Hours later, two witnesses walking near the canal reportedly discovered Goodyke sitting in the wheelchair. Investigators said the witnesses observed that he was still alive but appeared to be mumbling and making limited movements.
After returning to the area a short time later and finding him in the same condition, the witnesses alerted a family member, who drove to the location.
By the time she arrived, authorities said Goodyke had died. Police reported that he was found slumped over in the wheelchair with his pants pulled down around his ankles.
Video Allegedly Captured Part of the Incident
Investigators say Corrales’ mother recorded portions of the confrontation on her cellphone before the victim was taken away. According to the affidavit, the video allegedly shows Goodyke being forcibly restrained while seated in the wheelchair.
The recording has reportedly been turned over to investigators as evidence in the case. Police have not publicly released the footage.
One Suspect Arrested, Second Man Still Sought
Corrales has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail and faces charges including first-degree murder and kidnapping. Authorities say a second man allegedly involved in the incident had not been arrested as of the latest update.
Investigators have not publicly identified that individual and continue working to locate him.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner is expected to determine the official cause and manner of Goodyke’s death as the criminal investigation proceeds.
If convicted, Corrales could face significant prison time under Arizona law.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your thoughts respectfully while remembering that the investigation remains ongoing and the allegations against the defendant have yet to be proven in court.
