Category: Homicide

Categories
assault battery Homicide Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death

Phoenix Child Abuse Involving Guns

Phoenix Child Abuse Involving Guns

Phoenix Boy Shot by Two Year Old Brother

I’ll never quite understand how kids can get enough alone time to kill each other. Where were their parents? Why were the guns not locked up? Why did they kids not know that they were dangerous? If they did know they were dangerous why did they feel comfortable enough to go into your room and get the guns. I’m for guns but I’m definitely for striker gun laws. Of course you never know what could happen until your in that situation.

Sadly a nine year old little boy shot and killed by his two year old little brother. The parents of the boys have now been arrested and are both now facing charges for their suspected roles in the incident.

According to the Phoenix police, they were working to confirm the details of the situation. The children’s twenty-eight year old mother, Wendy Lavarnia worked with the investigators.

Phoenix Police Investigate Toddler Being Shot

The Phoenix police confirmed that the nine year old was Landen Lavarnia. He died at the hospital after being on life support since Monday. This was after his two year old little brother shot him in the head.

Lavarnia was booked for investigation of four counts of child abuse. According to the reports her bond was set at $25,000. Her thirty-one year old husband, Kansas Lavarnia reportedly had a felony record. He was arrested for suspicion of illegally possessing a firearm. Police are still investigating, it’s unclear if Kansas was at home at the time of the shooting.

Child Shot

To continue on with that tragic story, Phoenix police arrived to the scene around 3 p.m. that Monday. According to the reports the home was located near 35th and Rosewood avenues. When they got to the scene I’m sure it was something none of them wanted to see, they saw that the older boy was shot once in the head.

Wendy had told the authorities that she had placed the 9mm pistol (unholstered and loaded) onto the master bed, which was next to her two year old and four year old sons. According to Wendy the two year old picked up the gun and then fired it, hitting the nine year in the head as he innocently played his video games just a few feet away.

She also said that the gun didn’t have an “safety” on it. She often let the two year old practice pulling the trigger when the gun was unloaded. Not the safest toy to allow your two year old to play with lady.

Neighbor’s Statement:

It’s tragic… If that happened here, I would die. It would be devastating beyond belief. It’s devastating just having it next door.

The neighbor said that the husband, Kansas was a hard worker that he drove a large crane truck back and forth from Nevada to Arizona. Other neighbors also called him a nice guy.

Neighbors say they never saw the nine year old little boy but would often see the toddler outside in his diaper running around. Which is odd, why wouldn’t all the kids be outside together? Out of all the time of them living there the neighbors never seeing a nine year old kid outside is a bit odd.

Phoenix Manslaughter Lawyer

At the Phoenix based Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have defended many clients charged with a violent crime, including murder charges and other high-level violent crimes. We can provide the strong defense you need if you have been charged with voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.

If you discovered your spouse in bed with a lover and as a result killed your spouse in a sudden rage, you may have been charged with first-degree murder. However, you may only be guilty of voluntary manslaughter, an offense that carries a maximum prison sentence of 11 years, as opposed to a life sentence.

Manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice. The term malice is used in a highly technical sense and does not simply imply a feeling of anger.

 

Types of Manslaughter Defenses

If you have been charged with murder and the evidence is stacked against you to show that you did unlawfully kill another person, seeking a conviction to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter may make a significant difference in your case.

To effectively raise such a defense, you must be able to establish that you were provoked, that a reasonable person in such a situation might be similarly provoked to kill, and that you did not have sufficient time to cool off and further contemplate your actions. If retained as your counsel, we will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case to determine which defense strategy gives you the best opportunity to protect your freedom.

 

Types of Manslaughter Cases in Phoenix

In the state of Arizona, you may be charged with involuntary manslaughter under two separate circumstances:

  • If you committed a crime (other than a felony) and unintentionally caused the

death of another person.

  • If you were engaged in a lawful act that might cause death and acted without

“due caution and circumspection.”

 

Manslaughter Conviction and Sentencing

A conviction for involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of four years imprisonment. If you caused the unintentional death of another person and you were not committing a crime, it is not sufficient for the prosecution to allege that you made a mistake. The phrase “without due cause and circumspection” implies something more than a simple mistake. Our Phoenix Attorneys can raise a number of issues and defenses on your behalf to raise the strong defense you need. A plea to a lesser offense or a plea that allows you to avoid a criminal conviction may be possible depending on the facts of your case. If you choose to fight your charges at trial, we have the skilled trial lawyers to aggressively defend your rights in the courtroom.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Manslaughter Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Manslaughter, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery felony Homicide Narcotics Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury

Arizona Working on Family Dispute Crisis

Human Trafficking in Phoenix

Family Dispute Ends Deadly

Family fights can sometimes get pretty heated, sure everyone threatens to stop talking to that one person in their family occasionally but you never mean it. However, one family took “family dispute” to a whole nother level.

According to the Coolidge police, a shooting involving the deaths of three different people along a rural road seems to be a case of a murder-suicide.

The police day that seventy-five year old, Francisco Renteria Valenzuela as well as married couple, Reyna Idalia Renteria (forty-five years old) and Everardo Verduzco ( fifty-seven years old) were all found dead on Wednesday. Apparently they had all suffered from gunshot wounds and there was a pistol found by Verduzco. Verduzco was married to Rayna Renteria.

Coolidge Police Sgt. Mark Tercero said that when he interviewed the family members of the victims that the evidence lead to a possible marital dispute between the group.

Sgt. Mark Tercero’s Statement:

They were going through some marital issues. She recently broke off the relationship, which I believe led up to the incident. I believe this is somewhat of a murder-suicide. I can’t commit to that yet, because I don’t have the ballistics test back that will provide more information. But we still do not believe there are any outstanding suspects.

Which makes since given the situation.

 

 

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

The highly skilled Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC advise and represent people facing criminal charges for domestic violence often described as Spousal Abuse, Spousal Battery or Domestic Dispute, such charges do not always reflect a case between married people, but include those living in the same location (cohabitation), or sometimes just engaged in a domestic (dating) relationship.  Such cases can also lead to violation of a restraining order or protective orders.  They are NOT the same as a Domestic Violence Restraining Order however.

With a team of former prosecutors, Phoenix based Criminal Defense Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC offer a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. They understand the necessary steps to take in developing an aggressive defense strategy focused on securing a dismissal or minimizing any potential penalties associated with a conviction.

Domestic Violence cases have become extremely political and are regularly treated as “guilty until proven innocent.”   Even with minor cases, that do not involve a documented injury, proactive and rapid action by a caring defense attorney may be they key to not only avoiding a damaging no contact order, but may play a significant role in custody issues and an eventual resolution in the case that does not result in a life-time ban on the possession of firearms, tragic orders separating you from your family and other consequences that can interfere with work, school and life.

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we are committed to helping you achieve a resolution to your immediate problems, while seeking opportunities to improve the troubled family dynamics that might be underlying factors.

In domestic violence cases, the district attorney and the judge will be especially interested in what you’re willing to do to improve relationships, conflict resolution skills, and anger management. Your demonstration toward positive change will often make the difference in the outcome of your case. We work closely with people charged with domestic assault or battery to obtain a dismissal, diversion to community treatment or deferred entry of judgment prior to eventually achieving a dismissal.

Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

Our creative approach to difficult criminal defense problems can help you avoid the consequences of a conviction in situations such as the following scenarios:

 

  • Violence or assault between spouses, unmarried parents, or cohabiting adults
  • Elder Abuse
  • Child Abuse, Cruelty to a Child, or Child Endangerment
  • Restraining Order Violations
  • Criminal Threats
  • Harassment or Stalking

 

Our ability to connect you with the programs and services that are right for your circumstances can give you an extra layer of legal protection. At the same time, we work hard to help you get the most out of the presumption of innocence that stands between you and a conviction.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Domestic Violence, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery Crossing Accidents Homicide Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Recent Murder Crimes

Recent Murder Crimes

Murder of a 14 Year Old Girl Being Investigated

 

When a child is taken or runs away from home, you can’t help but imagine the worse. For one set of parents, they might be closer to having some answers about what happened to their little girl. Even if they are horribly sad, answers.

Police are investigating the murder of a fourteen year old girl. They think that maybe the case might be linked to a case where a twelve year old girl might have ran away from home.

On Wednesday morning, the San Diego Police Lt. Mike Hastings, stated that the body of a Anna Hernandez was found in a canyon, just off the 2900 block of Market Street on November 18th. Even though they found her on the 18th, they weren’t able to positively identify the girl until November 23rd.

According to the report, the young girl’s body was badly decomposed. The San Diego Medical Examiner’s autopsy proved that she sadly suffered from at least one gunshot wound to her upper body. Who in the world would want to shoot a fourteen  year old little girl?!

Lt. Hasting’s Statement About the Murder:

Regarding Anna’s homicide, the investigation continues including the processing of many items of evidence. The homicide team has served search warrants and conducted many interviews in the last seven days.

 

Nelly Espinoza who was twelve years old, was a friend of Hernandez. She lives in an apartment complex close to where Hernandez’s body was found. Nelly was last seen on November 13th. According to the police, the young girl isn’t considered a missing person, but a juvenile runaway.

The San Diego police recieved information that Nelly was with a family member in Northern Mexico She reportedly talked to her family, who live in San Diego, by phone. She told them that if they tried to look for her, then she would go deeper into Mexico.

Lt. Hastings said that Nelly could be with the sixteen year old runaway Janeth Mendoza. Janeth was last seen in October of this year. Both Tijuana and the San Diego police have put out missing persons fliers and are doing what they can to get to the bottom of this.

Lt. Hastings did not confirm if the investigating officers think that there is a link between Hernandez’s murder and Nelly Espinoza.

Hernandez recently transferred to the San Diego High School from High Tech High. Police have not released a possible motive in her killing. There has also been no arrests at this time.  The police are actually keeping quite about the possible suspects as well. Them being minors, I’m sure this case will be hard to handle publicity wise. I’m sure they’ll keep the public and the families updated as new information come in.

Phoenix Manslaughter Lawyer

At the Phoenix based Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have defended many clients charged with a violent crime, including murder charges and other high-level violent crimes. We can provide the strong defense you need if you have been charged with voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.

If you discovered your spouse in bed with a lover and as a result killed your spouse in a sudden rage, you may have been charged with first-degree murder. However, you may only be guilty of voluntary manslaughter, an offense that carries a maximum prison sentence of 11 years, as opposed to a life sentence.

Manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice. The term malice is used in a highly technical sense and does not simply imply a feeling of anger.

 

Types of Manslaughter Defenses

If you have been charged with murder and the evidence is stacked against you to show that you did unlawfully kill another person, seeking a conviction to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter may make a significant difference in your case.

To effectively raise such a defense, you must be able to establish that you were provoked, that a reasonable person in such a situation might be similarly provoked to kill, and that you did not have sufficient time to cool off and further contemplate your actions. If retained as your counsel, we will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case to determine which defense strategy gives you the best opportunity to protect your freedom.

 

Types of Manslaughter Cases in Phoenix

In the state of Arizona, you may be charged with involuntary manslaughter under two separate circumstances:

  • If you committed a crime (other than a felony) and unintentionally caused the

death of another person.

  • If you were engaged in a lawful act that might cause death and acted without

“due caution and circumspection.”

 

Manslaughter Conviction and Sentencing

A conviction for involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of four years imprisonment. If you caused the unintentional death of another person and you were not committing a crime, it is not sufficient for the prosecution to allege that you made a mistake. The phrase “without due cause and circumspection” implies something more than a simple mistake. Our Phoenix Attorneys can raise a number of issues and defenses on your behalf to raise the strong defense you need. A plea to a lesser offense or a plea that allows you to avoid a criminal conviction may be possible depending on the facts of your case. If you choose to fight your charges at trial, we have the skilled trial lawyers to aggressively defend your rights in the courtroom.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Manslaughter Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Manslaughter, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery Bed Bugs Homicide Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Two Different Types of Shooting Cases

Multiple Suspects in Phoenix Homicide Case

Shooting Case Causes Police To Question Teenagers Involved

As if a shooting isn’t bad enough, it’s absolutely tragic when multiple children or teens are involved. This case is a little different than the usual shooting stories that hit the news though.

Police believe that multiple teenagers had to of been in the same room as a shooting that took place. The shooting that left a sixteen year old boy dead on Wednesday night. Let’s just hope that this isn’t some kind of bullying thing. Let’s hope that if there was multiple people that know what happened that they come forward and tell the police what they know. The family of this boy needs justice and peace of knowing what really happened when they sadly last their son.

Sgt. Jonathan Howard from the Phoenix Police Department, was unable to identify the victim on Thursday. However, the police are hoping to identify or narrow down the teens that were in that room when this happened.

The Police believe that these teenagers just ran away after the shooting. Which how sad is that? Did those other teens also fear for their lives? Was this just a prank that went wrong? Why would these kids be scared if they didn’t have something majorly involved in this? Maybe they’re just scared of what will happen?

Police Search for Teenage Shooting Victim’s Murderer

No one has been arrested for this shooting at this time. However, the police are investigating and will continue to do so. They are trying to figure out what caused such a tragic event? The shooting happened at a home near 23rd Street and Cactus Road. Even though authorities tried to save the young man, he was still taken to the hospital, where he sadly died.

If anyone has any information about the shooting or the victim, please contact the Phoenix Police at 602-262-6241 or even the Silent Witness program at 480-Witness.

 

Police Arrest Suspect for Allegedly Shooting Two Men in Glendale

Usually Thursday’s are quiet days. Everyone is wore out from a long week of work, you’re just ready for a relaxing weekend and a good nights sleep or a night out on the town, whatever floats your boat.

Every family has issues with who someone is dating. Most the time it’s the girls that choose horrible boyfriends, don’t get me wrong there are some nice guys out there that choose the absolutely craziest women. When you’re young and you date out of your comfort zone, you never think of them doing something to actually harm someone. However, you real never know these days.

According to the local police, they now have in custody a man that they suspect shot two men outside of a Glendale home on Thursday. The incident happened around three o’clock in the afternoon. According to the Glendale Police, the suspect was twenty-eight year old, Efrain Hartley. He was arrested not long after the shooting happened.

Police Arrest Shooting Suspect

The Glendale police say that twenty-four year old, Shaquille Johnson was outside of a home with his twenty year old brother near 91st and Glendale Avenues. As they were standing outside, Hartley came up to them and started shooting them.

Both of the young men were taken to the local hospital. Police say that Shaquille Johnson later died from his injuries from the shooting. His younger brother is still in critical condition.

According to some witnesses, the victims and the suspect knew each other. Apparently they had a “verbal altercation” that happened just before the shooting.

Apparently Mr. Hartley was dating one of the victims’ sister. Hartley is booked on charges that relate to homicide of Shaquille Johnson and the shooting of a second victim.

 

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC

668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery felony Homicide Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Wrongful Death

No Shortage of Shooting Cases In Phoenix

Homicide Shooting in Phoenix Area

Search for Man Involved in Phoenix Shooting

The Phoenix Police are on the hunt for a man involved in a shoot. They say that a man is dead after a shooting at a party overnight.

The officers responded to a loud party in the area of the 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road around 3:20 in the early morning. When they got there they heard shots fired inside.

There was a man that fled the home, he had a gunshot wound and later collapsed. The man died not long afterwards, according to the Phoenix Police.

There were multiple people inside of the home and they had to stay for questioning. However, there has been no suspect identified at this time.

The victim has not yet been named.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

Home

 

Categories
assault battery Homicide Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury

Homicide Shooting

Homicide Shootings

Woman Missing After Complex Shooting

 

Shootings rarely end well. Someone is hurt or killed and the suspect usually flees. Shooting cases can sometimes go unsolved for quite a while.

A lot of shooting cases become homicides pretty quickly. A homicide is when someone deliberately and unlawfully kills someone. Which makes it easy to understand why a shooting turns into a homicide. Usually you aren’t shooting at someone to do them any good. A shooting is to harm someone.

The Phoenix Police Department is now looking for a woman who can not be found. They’re searching for her because a man was shot and killed at an apartment complex.

According to the reports, a one year old child as well as a woman, Veronica Huerta Brown were not found after a man was killed on a Saturday night. The man was shot at an apartment complex, which is located near the 12th Street and Indian School Road.

The investigators said that the child and Brown were in a vehicle with the victim when the victim was then ordered out of the vehicle by two men. According to the police, the men shot the victim and then took the child from him.

At this time, it’s unclear if the woman and child were abducted by the suspects or whether they fled the scene separately.

The Phoenix Police gave an update about the situation on Sunday morning. They say that the child was luckily found safely however, Brown had not been found at this time. They are worried about Brown’s safety and are searching for her.

Police spokesman, James Holmes Statement:

We believe that all three, the victim, Veronica and (the child), arrived at this apartment complex, just before the shooting, together in a vehicle.

Holmes gave a description of the shooters, saying that they were described as Hispanic men. The men seemed to be at the apartment complex and they ordered the victim to get out of the car with the child.

Holmes’ Statement:

At that point, the suspect grabbed the child and fired on the victim and took the child and he left.

There were witnesses at the scene and they told the Phoenix Police that they had hear at least four gunshots.

Neighbor, Jennalee Yazzie’s Statement:

It was like, ‘Pom pom,’ and then, ‘Pom pom,’.

 

The police have no definite answers on whether the woman and the child were abducted by the suspects or if they actually fled the scene separately.

Holmes’ Statement:

We believe that all three, the victim, Veronica and (the child), arrived at this apartment complex, just before the shooting, together in a vehicle.

Holmes also said that the two shooters were already at the apartment complex and then ordered the victim to get out of the car with the child.

Holmes said that at that point of the situation, the suspect quickly grabbed the child and fired on the victim. He then took the child and left.

Neighbor, Bryan Cunningham’s Statement:

He said it was a very small white hatchback, is what he saw. And [the car] was moving quite fast, getting right out of there after the shots and the screams.

 

The witnesses also told the police that there were at least two male suspects that got away from the complex. They were in a 90’s model vehicle that is either a white Honda or could be a white Taurus.

At this time, it’s not clear what relationship the victim had with the two suspects or with the missing Brown woman, who police are still searching for. Police also don’t know what the relation was to the woman and child with the suspects or if there was one at all.

Holmes Statement:

We have to consider that both this female and this child, based on the violence that occurred here this afternoon, could very well be in danger.

 

Police are now looking for the 90’s model vehicle that fled the scene. The incident happened in the back parking lot of an apartment complex.

If anyone has any information at all as to where Brown may be, they are encouraged to please call the Phoenix Police Violent Crimes Bureau at (602) 262-6141. Of course, as always calls can remain anonymous.

 

Drive-By Shooting in Phoenix

A drive by shooting that happened on the outside of a Phoenix bar could have been pretty devastating. The police are still looking for answers regarding this case.

According to the news reports, there was a light colored Jeep that was seen outside of the Charley’s Place Bar at the 43rd Avenue and Thunderbird Road which happened after three o’clock in the morning on August 18, 2015.

According to a report there was an person in a Jeep SUV who reportedly fired several rifle rounds into the bar. Luckily, no one was injured during the shooting.

Silent Witness is offering a reward for any information that may be helpful in this unsolved case. They are offering $1,000.00.

If you have any information on this case, please contact the Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

 

Hopefully the shootings in Phoenix slow down and end in less fatalities like this drive by bar shooting. Shootings are scary but it’s a little less scary when no one is hurt. Which is rare in a shooting, especially in a drive by shooting.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

Home