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PHENIX CITY, Ala. (DailyKenn.com) — A 42-year-old man was found fatally shot inside his home in this east Alabama city, prompting a homicide investigation that led to the arrest of three 15-year-old boys on capital murder charges in what authorities described as a botched robbery.
Joseph Tassoni, a local mechanic and father of two who had lived in Phenix City for over a decade, was discovered unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and head at his residence on the 40 block of Cricket Drive. The grim discovery came on Nov. 26, 2025—the day before Thanksgiving—when a relative, concerned after Tassoni failed to respond to repeated calls, entered the single-story brick home around 2:14 p.m. and alerted authorities. Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. pronounced Tassoni dead at the scene at 4:37 p.m., noting the apparent gunshot injuries. An autopsy conducted by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery confirmed the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds, with the manner ruled homicide. Toxicology reports are pending.
The sequence of events began earlier that afternoon, according to police affidavits unsealed this week. Investigators believe Tassoni, who worked the overnight shift at a nearby auto repair shop, had returned home to rest when the suspects—local teenagers known to police for prior minor offenses—approached the unlocked back door posing as delivery workers. Surveillance footage from a neighbor's Ring camera captured three figures in hoodies lingering near the property around 1:45 p.m., followed by muffled voices and three sharp pops consistent with gunfire about 15 minutes later. The trio fled on foot toward a wooded lot behind the subdivision, abandoning a stolen bicycle along the trail. No forced entry was evident, suggesting Tassoni may have opened the door to the strangers.
Eyewitness accounts from the quiet, working-class neighborhood underscored the shock of the violence. "Joey was the guy who'd fix your car for free if you were down on your luck—always had a smile and a cold drink ready," recalled neighbor Elena Ramirez, 39, who heard the shots while preparing Thanksgiving turkey. "I looked out and saw these kids running like they'd seen a ghost. Never imagined they'd do something so cold." Another resident, retiree Harold Jenkins, 67, described spotting the suspects earlier that day loitering at a nearby convenience store, "laughing and acting rowdy, but nothing that screamed danger." Police canvassed the area, collecting shell casings from .380-caliber rounds scattered in the kitchen where Tassoni was found slumped against the counter.
Phenix City Police Criminal Investigations Lt. Robert Isabel announced the arrests on Nov. 29, after a tip led detectives to a group home two miles away. The three unidentified juveniles—all 15-year-old Phenix City residents—were charged with capital murder during the course of a robbery, a capital offense in Alabama that could result in life imprisonment without parole upon conviction as adults. They were transferred to the Russell County Juvenile Detention Center and are slated for a transfer hearing next month. Authorities recovered a matching handgun from one suspect's backpack, along with items believed stolen from Tassoni's wallet, including $200 in cash and credit cards. "This was a senseless act by young people who let poor choices escalate into tragedy," Isabel said. No motive beyond robbery has been established, though investigators are probing possible social media connections between the suspects.
The killing has cast a pall over Phenix City's south side, a close-knit community of about 37,000 where violent crime rates have ticked up 12% this year amid economic strains from nearby Fort Benning base reductions. A candlelight vigil drew over 100 mourners to Cricket Drive on Nov. 28, organized by Tassoni's employer, Lee's Auto Service. "Joseph was more than a coworker; he was family, coaching little league and barbecuing for the block," said shop owner Marcus Lee, who launched a GoFundMe that has raised $8,500 for Tassoni's children, ages 8 and 11. Rev. Tamara Ellis of Mount Zion Baptist Church led prayers, decrying youth disenfranchisement: "These kids need mentors, not just cuffs—our streets are crying for intervention before another family buries a loved one."
Tassoni's sister, Carla Tassoni-Mitchell, shared a family photo on social media, writing, "My brother deserved to see his kids grow up, not end like this over pocket change." Police continue to seek public tips, offering a $5,000 reward through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers. As the holidays unfold, residents are installing new locks and cameras, hoping to reclaim their sense of security in a neighborhood forever altered.
Sources:
Man found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in Phenix City, coroner’s office reports
Three juveniles arrested in connection to Phenix City man found dead, police say
Phenix City arrests, charges three 15-year-olds with capital murder
Man found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in Phenix City – CNAW 2 with Colin Scroggins
Homicide investigation underway in Phenix City
Three teens charged with capital murder in connection to man who was found dead in Phenix City home
Three juveniles arrested for Phenix City homicide
Coroner: Man found dead in Phenix City home
Three teens charged with capital murder in deadly Phenix City shooting – CNAW 2
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Three teenagers charged with capital murder in death of Phenix City man
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