Phoenix Father Shot by Falling Bullet During Wife’s Birthday Party: Stray Round Shatters Leg, Sparks Outcry Over Gunfire Laws
PHOENIX, AZ — A joyous birthday celebration turned into a nightmare for a Phoenix family when Javier Zamarron was struck by a stray bullet while celebrating his wife’s birthday in their backyard. The terrifying incident left him with a shattered fibula, requiring two emergency surgeries, and has now left the family shaken and fearful in what was once their safe space.
The shooting occurred on Saturday evening near 7th Avenue and Buckeye Road, just after the couple had put their children to bed and were winding down a backyard gathering with loved ones. Without warning, a bullet fell from the sky and pierced Javier’s leg.
“I Thought I Was Going to Die”
“I thought I was going to die. And I was just so scared for my life,” Javier recounted, still visibly shaken. The bullet struck his leg with such force that it shattered his fibula — the smaller bone in the lower leg — sending his body into immediate shock.
His wife, Itzel Zamarron, remembers the moment with painful clarity.
“My whole body just went in shock. I just froze,” she said. “Is he going to come back home? Am I ever going to be able to talk to him again? Like, am I ever going to hear his voice again? I’m sorry,” she said through tears, recalling the moment she rushed him to the hospital.
A Safe Space Turned Into a Scene of Trauma
What was meant to be a peaceful celebration quickly turned into a chaotic, horrifying event that the Zamarron family says they will never forget. Once a sanctuary for their family, their backyard is now a reminder of how quickly life can change.
“I’m still terrified. I feel like right now I’m not safe,” Itzel said. “I just feel like putting you in a bubble so nothing can happen to you.”
Javier’s recovery is ongoing. Doctors say the bullet entered through the side of his leg and exited near the bottom, breaking the bone in the process. Two surgeries have already been performed to begin repairing the damage.
“Whatever Goes Up Must Come Down”
Phoenix Police officers told the family they believe the bullet came from random celebratory gunfire, possibly fired into the air somewhere in the vicinity. No suspects have been identified, and the shooter remains unknown.
“They told me that whatever goes up must come down,” Javier said, referring to the trajectory of bullets fired into the sky — a dangerous and often overlooked public safety hazard.
A Case That Could Fall Under Shannon’s Law
This incident could fall under Shannon’s Law, a state law passed in 2000 following the death of 14-year-old Shannon Smith, who was killed in a similar incident in her own backyard after being struck by a stray bullet fired more than a mile away.
Shannon’s Law makes it a Class 6 felony to discharge a firearm within city limits, especially when it results in injury or death. If prosecuted, violators can face up to five years in prison.
Community members and advocates say stories like Javier’s are a heartbreaking reminder of why the law exists — and why random gunfire must be treated as a serious crime, not a harmless act of celebration.
A Plea for Awareness and Justice
As the investigation continues, the Zamarron family is speaking out in hopes of raising awareness and pushing for accountability.
“This could have killed my husband. It could have hit one of our children,” said Itzel. “Someone has to be held responsible. This cannot keep happening.”
Local police are asking anyone with information about random gunfire in the area that night to come forward.
Supporting the Family
Friends of the Zamarrons have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Javier’s medical expenses and time away from work as he recovers. The family is overwhelmed with gratitude for the support they’ve already received but says the emotional toll has been immense.
“I’m just thankful to be alive,” Javier said. “But I want people to understand that this could happen to anyone. A bullet doesn’t care who you are.”