Who is TJ Pizzitola? Arizona Man’s Death Sparks Community Outcry

The Scottsdale community is mourning the death of 29-year-old TJ Pizzitola, who was killed after being punched from behind in Old Town Scottsdale earlier this month. He was just weeks away from becoming a father.

Police say Pizzitola was walking away with his arms by his side when a man attacked him from behind, hitting him in the head and knocking him unconscious. He never regained consciousness and later died at the hospital.

The Attack That Changed Everything

The tragedy happened around 2 a.m. on October 11, 2025, outside Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge near Scottsdale Road.
According to police, TJ was waiting for an Uber with two close friends when one of them accidentally bumped into a woman.

Instead of letting the situation go, that woman and four men followed the group. One of those men, 24-year-old Drew Meneses, allegedly punched TJ in the back of the head, causing him to collapse instantly.

Prosecutors said the attack was caught on cellphone video.
“What you can see is TJ standing with his arms to his side when the suspect walks up behind him and sucker punches him,” said Angela Andrews from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. “That one punch caused a severe brain injury, and he never recovered.”

Remembering TJ Pizzitola

TJ’s mother, Gina Pizzitola, described her son as a kind, outgoing person loved by everyone who met him.
“He was that kid who said hi to everyone, even as a baby sitting in the cart at Walmart,” she said.

TJ loved baseball, Italian food, and making friends. He moved from California to Arizona to study at Arizona State University, where he met his future wife, Krisan.

The couple married in July 2024 and were excited to start their new life together. Krisan is now eight months pregnant with their first child — a baby boy they plan to name TJ, after his father.

“He wanted to be a dad more than anything,” Krisan said tearfully. “He went to every OB-GYN appointment. He was so ready.”

Community Support

Following the tragedy, the community has rallied around the Pizzitola family.
A fundraiser has been launched to support Krisan and the baby, and a community event will be held at The 44 Sports Grill in Glendale on November 16.

“He’s got a village that’s determined to make sure his son knows who his dad was,” Krisan said.

Police have arrested five suspects, including Drew Meneses, who faces a second-degree murder charge.

What was meant to be a joyful chapter in the Pizzitolas’ life has now turned into heartbreak — a reminder of how one senseless act of violence can destroy lives in an instant.