A man who had been arrested in connection with the disturbing death of a disabled Phoenix resident found bound to a wheelchair near a canal has himself died while in custody, adding another unexpected twist to an already shocking homicide investigation.
Authorities confirmed that Hector Corrales, one of the men accused of kidnapping and murdering 33-year-old Aaron Goodyke, died while being held at a Phoenix-area jail just days after his arrest. Officials have not publicly released the cause of Corrales’ death, and an investigation into the in-custody death is underway.
The development comes as prosecutors continue building a case surrounding the death of Goodyke, a diabetic amputee who investigators say was tied to his wheelchair with plastic bags and abandoned in extreme Arizona heat.
Suspect Dies While Awaiting Trial
According to officials, Hector Corrales died while in custody after being booked into the Maricopa County jail system on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Corrales had initially been arrested on a parole violation before homicide investigators formally connected him to Goodyke’s death and filed additional charges. Jail officials have not announced any signs of foul play surrounding Corrales’ death, and standard procedures for investigating deaths in custody have been initiated.
Authorities have not indicated whether the pending criminal charges against Corrales will affect the prosecution of any remaining suspects.
Aaron Goodyke Was Found Dead Near a Phoenix Canal
The investigation began on the evening of June 25, when Phoenix police responded to reports of an unknown emergency near a canal in south Phoenix.
Disturbing Discovery
Officers arrived to find Aaron Goodyke, 33, unresponsive in his wheelchair.
Investigators said his hands and chest had been secured to the wheelchair using plastic trash bags. Officers also observed footprints and signs of a struggle around the area, indicating Goodyke may have attempted to free himself before dying.
The scene immediately prompted a homicide investigation due to the suspicious circumstances.
Extreme Heat Played a Critical Role
Phoenix was experiencing temperatures of approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit on the day Goodyke was abandoned.
Prosecutors allege Goodyke was left outdoors without water, shelter, or access to his insulin medication despite suffering from diabetes and significant mobility limitations following a below-the-knee leg amputation earlier in the year.
Victim Had Serious Medical Conditions
Diabetic Amputee Needed Regular Care
Court documents state that Goodyke’s mother informed investigators that her son was diabetic and had recently undergone an amputation of one leg below the knee.
Because of his medical condition, he depended on assistance from others for daily care and transportation.
Staying at Suspect’s Family Home
Investigators learned that Goodyke had been staying at the home of Gloria Barajas, later identified as Corrales’ mother.
According to Barajas, Goodyke’s health had declined during the week before his death because he reportedly refused food, water, and medical treatment. She claimed family members attempted to take him to a hospital but that he changed his mind and became combative before leaving the residence.
Investigators Uncovered Key Video Evidence
Surveillance Recorded the Incident
One of the most significant breakthroughs in the case came after detectives reviewed video footage obtained during the investigation.
According to police documents, the footage allegedly showed Corrales and another man restraining Goodyke by tying him to the wheelchair using plastic bags.
Investigators also reported that during the struggle, the wheelchair tipped backward, causing Goodyke to strike his head against the side of the house.
Wheelchair Allegedly Pushed Toward Canal
Authorities say the footage and witness statements indicate that one of the men wheeled Goodyke away from the home toward the nearby canal.
Barajas reportedly told investigators she later saw the man return alone, without Goodyke.
Witnesses Saw Goodyke Before He Died
Two individuals walking along the opposite side of the canal reportedly noticed Goodyke sitting in his wheelchair.
According to investigators, the witnesses believed he appeared to be tied up and was mumbling. Although they initially continued walking, they later informed a family member about what they had seen.
Their daughter subsequently went to check on Goodyke herself and discovered him dead before emergency responders arrived.
Prosecutors Say Goodyke Was Left Without Any Chance of Survival
According to court filings, investigators believe the suspects intentionally left Goodyke in a remote area where he would be difficult to find.
The canal path was located roughly 200 yards from the residence, and prosecutors argue the location made it unlikely that anyone would quickly discover him.
Authorities also allege that Goodyke had no access to water, shade, or his required insulin medication while restrained in direct sunlight during triple-digit temperatures.
Arrests Made in the Case
Hector Corrales Arrested First
Police arrested Hector Corrales at his mother’s residence several days after the incident.
According to investigators, Corrales declined to answer questions after his arrest. Officers collected his fingerprints and DNA before booking him into jail, where he later faced kidnapping and first-degree murder charges.
Second Suspect Also Charged
Investigators later identified Troy Wright as a second suspect in the homicide investigation.
Court records indicate Wright was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. A judge reportedly ordered him held on a $1 million cash-only bond, while Corrales had previously been held on a $500,000 cash-only bond before his death in custody.
Questions Remain About Corrales’ Death in Custody
Authorities have released few details regarding how Corrales died while incarcerated.
Officials have confirmed only that he died while being held in jail after his arrest. As is customary with deaths occurring in custody, the incident remains under investigation, and no official cause or manner of death has yet been announced.
Investigation Continues
Although Corrales’ death ends the criminal proceedings against him, investigators continue pursuing the homicide case surrounding Aaron Goodyke’s death.
The prosecution against Troy Wright remains active, and detectives continue reviewing physical evidence, surveillance footage, witness testimony, and forensic findings as they seek justice for Goodyke.
The case has drawn widespread attention because of its disturbing allegations that a medically vulnerable, disabled man was restrained, abandoned in dangerous desert heat, and left unable to escape. The subsequent death of one of the primary suspects while in custody has added another layer of mystery to an already tragic investigation.
