Category: Wrongful Death

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Criminal Shooting At Best Buy

Criminal Shooting At Best Buy

Scary Criminal Best Buy Shooting

According to reports, there was a deadly shooting at Best Buy in Avondale. The criminal from the shooting has died.

The Avondale police said that, twenty-seven year old, Henry Cota Jr. passed away from his injuries on Tuesday.

The police will continue to investigate the double shooting at the Avondale shopping center which happened on Monday.

The reports say that the call came around noon and it was for the Best Buy off of Interstate 10 which is near 99th Avenue and McDowell Road.

The Avondale Police Department showed up at the Best Buy and there was one man and one woman injured inside of the store, both from gunshot wounds. Both of those victims were transferred to hospitals.

The woman died from her wounds on Monday.

Best Buy said that the woman who passed away was actually one of the store’s Team Members. She was only twenty-six years old and her name was Melissa Mendez.

According to the investigation, there seems to be a history of domestic violence between Cota and Melissa. Cota has actually been outside of Melissa’s house waiting for her before. He was apparently very violent and stalkers with her.

Cota and Melissa have two children together. Apparently they had reconciled and tried to co-parent together for their children, however there was an “instability” in the home. This was in 2015 court records.

Present day, Melissa had moved on and Cota wasn’t taking it well.

 

Best Buy released a statement to ABC15 which read: 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and children of Melissa Mendez after she was senselessly shot and killed on Monday. Domestic violence has no place in our society, and this tragic event is an example of how destructive it can be. Melissa, an employee at our Avondale store for more than seven years, was well-liked by her colleagues and great at her job. Counseling has been made available for our employees. Our Avondale store remains closed at this time.”

 

Phoenix Criminal Threats Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

Formerly referred to as terroristic threats, the crime of criminal threats may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense, depending on case specifics. A criminal threat occurs when an individual threatens to kill or injure another person and that person has a reasonably sustained fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family. A defendant may potentially be convicted of making criminal threats even if he or she did not intend to carry out the threat, provided that the alleged victim had a reasonable basis to fear for his or her safety.

Arrest in Phoenix for Criminal Threats

If you have been arrested for making a criminal threat, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney. For a vigorous defense, contact the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC immediately.

Arizona prosecutors have considerable discretion to charge criminal threats offenses as a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor criminal threat, harassment or stalking offense, you could face up to one year in county jail. If you are convicted of a felony criminal threats offense, you could face up to four years in state prison. You could face significantly greater penalties if you used a firearm or other dangerous weapon while making criminal threats.

 

Types of Criminal Threats

A Criminal Threat is a strike offense, which means that you could face significantly enhanced penalties if you are convicted of a future felony. Even a nonviolent felony could result in twice the prison sentence if you have a prior strike offense. A third strike could result in a prison sentence of 25 years to life.

Criminal Threats Defensive Strategy

There are many ways that our skilled Phoenix Defense Attorneys can raise a strong defense on your behalf. First, we will examine the facts of the case to determine if the prosecution has enough evidence to obtain a conviction. In particular, we will look at any evidence of the alleged communication. Does the prosecution have copies of an email or voicemail? If the state has nothing more than a he-said-she said case, the prosecution will have a tougher time proving its case.

Taking Your Criminal Threats Case to Trial

Even if the prosecution has evidence of the alleged communication, we will examine the nature of the communication. Was the threat a serious one? In other words, did the alleged victim actually fear for his or her safety and was he or she reasonable to have such fear? The prosecution does not have to prove that you intended to carry out the threat, or even that you had the current ability to carry out the threat. However, the prosecution must establish that the threat you made is the type that would have caused the defendant to have a reasonable fear.

If you choose to take your case to trial, we offer skilled Phoenix trial lawyers who will aggressively defend your rights in the courtroom. If you do not want to fight your charges at trial, we can negotiate with the prosecution to seek a favorable plea agreement. Depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to help you keep this off of your record. If that is not possible, we can seek a plea to a lesser offense, including a non-strike offense, or we can seek an agreement on sentencing that will limit the penalties you face. With a team of former prosecutors, the skilled attorneys at the Phoenix Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC are highly adept at finding creative solutions for their clients.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Criminal Threats Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as a Terrorist Threat, 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.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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Deadly Hit and Run

Homicide Cases Keeps Phoenix Busy

Hit and Run

A car crash is often deadly. Early morning crashes are scary and it’s often a hit and run crash. If it’s super early out and there’s no witnesses then people are more likely to drive off from a scene of an accident.

On Friday morning in Litchfield Park, a hit and run incident sadly left one man dead.

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the hit and run incident happened just after four o’clock int he morning. The deputies arrived to the scene which was near Dysart Road and is just south of Camelback Road. Which is a common place for car crashes.

According to the reports, they found a dead man who was in his sixties. The man was found in the roadway.

The deputies had to close Dysart Road between Camelback Road and Indian School Road as they investigated the death.

The road was luckily reopened around 8:30 in the morning

MCSO later found out that the man who was involved in the fatal car crash was actually a  hit and run incident. Now the police are asking for the public’s help in trying to find the driver.

Police think that the crash happened between 2 and 4 in the morning. The driver then headed northbound on Dysart Road struck. The driver struck a man then fled the scene.

There’s no suspect or vehicle description at this time.

If anyone has any information on this, they are asked to please call the sheriff’s office.

Phoenix Hit And Run Lawyer

Felony and Misdemeanor Hit and Run Cases

Hit and run violations happen, and often they are the result of the physically and emotionally jarring aftermath of being involved in a car accident with another vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian. It is common knowledge that in such circumstances the proper protocol is to stop, exchange information and report the situation to law enforcement, but often in the moment such procedure becomes confused in the overwhelming chaos of the moments following a collision. Despite knowing the proper protocol and the fact that leaving the scene of a car accident is considered to be a serious criminal offense within the state of Arizona, the fear of negative legal repercussions often outweigh sound reason. If you or someone you know has been involved in a misdemeanor or felony hit-and-run accident within the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix area, the expert Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC will actively defend your rights and assist you in reaching a favorable outcome.

Hit and Run Examples

There are multiple variations of hit-and-run offenses that may result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. They may include:

  • When a driver collides with another vehicle, causing property damage, injury or death
  • When a driver collides with a pedestrian or jogger, causing serious injury or even death
  • When a driver collides with objects, causing property damage
  • When a driver collides with an unattended, parked car causing property damage
  • When a driver collides with a cyclist, causing property damage, minor to serious injury or death

It is important to fully understand the nature of your hit-and-run offense to determine the severity of the criminal charge. Your level of offense will be decided based on how serious the results of your hit-and-run collision were. A collision that results in limited injuries will most like be charged as misdemeanors, whereas in a more serious injury accident that results in a lengthy rehabilitation period or even wrongful death, you may face felony hit-and-run charges.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Fear around secondary convictions for other offenses is often the motivating factor for why drivers leave the scene of an accident, hoping to avoid multiple charges that may include:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
  • Driving a stolen vehicle
  • Driving with a stolen license
  • Driving under the influence of narcotics
  • Driving while transporting narcotics
  • Driving without insurance or registration
  • Driving with a warrant for your arrest

At the Law Offices of Criminal Defense Attorneys – our expertise and aggressive litigation practices result in regular favorable results for our clients facing hit-and-run misdemeanor and felony offenses.  It is essential that you contact a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to protecting your record. Consultation with a criminal defense attorney is always advisable before speaking to law enforcement or insurance companies, regardless of fault.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Hit and Run Lawyer

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
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault Homicide Narcotics Pedestrian Accident Personal Injury Wrongful Death

Shooting Near Phoenix Freeway

Homicide Shooting in Phoenix Area

Phoenix Freeway Shooting

Phoenix has an abundance of shootings in the area. Sadly a woman has lost her life due to another shooting. This lady was shot in the head while driving on a Phoenix Freeway. According to reports this happened on a Wednesday night.

The Sgt. of the Phoenix Police Department, Jonathan Howard told the station that there was three men in a white, work style pickup truck. The truck was carrying ladder racks and were chasing the woman as she was heading to Interstate 10 to State Road 51.

According to the reports, the lady was shot while she was on the phone with emergency responders. She then crashed her vehicle along the center divider.

Shooting Victim

Sgt. Howard said that the woman was taken to the hospital and was in “extremely critical condition” she sadly later passed away due to the severity of her injuries. How sad, to be running from people for your life, be on the phone with emergency responders then to be shot while on the phone with the ones who are there to protect.

The police are still searching for the white truck. At this time it hasn’t been found. Apparently there were two to three crashes involving at least four vehicles. All of which are related to the shooting.

Two of the people who were in the crashes had to be taken to the local hospital.

Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you have been charged with murder, the attorney you choose to defend you will likely be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Obtaining a strong defense could be the difference between freedom and a life behind bars.

 

At the Phoenix based Offices of Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, you will find the experienced, dedicated and highly skilled trial attorneys you need to protect your rights. Each of our attorneys made a conscious decision to become a criminal defense lawyer. We could have chosen any other field of law, but defending the freedom and liberty of people who are facing the possibility of incarceration was our first choice. We believe strongly that skilled and passionate defense attorneys can make a difference in the lives of their clients. We go into every case feeling that we can make that difference.

 

Hiring the Right Homicide Lawyer in Phoenix

Having a skilled homicide defense attorney is important in any criminal case, but it is even more critical in a murder case. To properly defend a client against a murder charge, a defense lawyer must be prepared to effectively challenge the prosecution’s evidence. To do so, a Phoenix Murder Defense Attorney must be prepared to effectively cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, including any expert witnesses.

Expert Witnesses

In some cases, a Phoenix Homicide Defense Attorney may need to use expert witnesses on behalf of the defendant to challenge forensic evidence, ballistics evidence and other scientific evidence presented by the prosecution. We are prepared to do so and have worked with expert witnesses in the past to provide a vigorous defense on our clients’ behalf.

In addition to fighting your charges at trial (or seeking a case dismissal for lack of probable cause), we can also negotiate with the prosecution to seek a favorable plea agreement. A plea agreement might involve a plea to a lesser offense or an agreement on sentencing that will significantly reduce the penalties you face.

 

Homicide Defense Strategy

We will take the time to talk to witnesses, investigate what really happened in your case, understand what evidence is in the prosecution’s possession, look for holes in the prosecution’s case, and determine if the police violated your constitutional rights or made other critical errors that can be used to your advantage.

We are committed to raising a strong and comprehensive defense on your behalf. Depending on the facts of your case, the following defenses and strategies may be helpful:

 

  • Self-Defense
  • Insanity
  • Mistaken Identity
  • Suppression of Evidence
  • Challenging DNA, Fingerprint Evidence and other Forensic Evidence
  • Challenging Ballistics Evidence (Relating to Firearms and Bullets)
  • Challenging the Reliability of an Eyewitness
  • Challenging Whether the Evidence Sustains a Murder Conviction
  • Negotiation with the Prosecution to Determine if a Plea Agreement Could

Significantly Minimize the Charges or Penalties you Face

We have defended clients against murder charges and other felony violent crimes. You can be confident that you will have a highly skilled and dedicated defense lawyer who will advise you of your rights, help explain the process and work diligently to seek the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Homicide Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime such as Homicide, 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
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery felony Homicide Pedestrian Accident Wrongful Death

Stabbing Cases Near Phoenix

Murder Charges and Investigation

 Stabbing Suspect Arrested for Suspicion of Killing a Roommate

Recently, a man had been arrested by the police after he found his roommate who was involved in a stabbing to his death in a Phoenix Apartment. According to the authorities, the officers had to respond to a call at a restaurant near 19th and Northern Avenues around eight thirty in the morning. The workers claimed a male had not paid his bill.

When the officer arrived to the scene, they found a twenty three year old, Mykel Cooper. He did eat, however he had no money for his meal.

Police thought Cooper’s behavior was different, leading the officers to think that he had some type of mental health issues. The officers paid for Cooper’s bill and tip, with their personal money and then too the suspect to a nearby mental health facility. The police then turned him over to the mental health staff.

Police Get a Confession from Stabbing Suspect

While Cooper was at the mental health facility, he told the staff he had done something bad to his roommate. The staff then quickly called the police to fill them in.

Police went to the apartment around 9:25 in the morning. That is where they found twenty-nine year old, Steven Horkovy. Police believe the young man was stabbed to death.

Police said that the homicide investigators were able to find out that Cooper had actually stabbed and kill his roommate, Horkovy the day before.

Police say that Cooper’s neighbors were sad, however they didn’t act too surprised.

 

 Neighbor, Aaron Upson’s Statment

They both argued a lot. They didn’t get along.

 

Phoenix Police Sgt. Tommy Thompson’s Statement:

There are many times as police officers that we don’t find out the rest of the story, so to speak, until later down the road.

 

Cooper was taken into the custody of the police while an interview was going on. During that interview he admitted his crime to the police.

Cooper is now in the Maricopa County Jail with one first degree murder count. He’s held on One Million Dollar bond.

Stabbing in Point Loma Heights

According to the San Diego police, three people were involved in a stabbing in the Point Loma Heights area. This was after multiple suspect broke into an apartment.

The police stated that the suspects that entered the apartment in the 3800 block of Midway Drive just a little bit before, two:thirty in the morning. There were three men, all in their twenties, aging 20, 22, and 29. They were stabbed according to the news bulletin from the San Diego Police Department.

According to the report, the twenty-nine year old man suffered from serious stab wounds. The wounds were in his head and his back. The twenty-two year old sustained only minor stab wounds on his back. The youngest out of the three men, the twenty year old, received minor wounds to his right arm.

Police have no description of the suspects.

Phoenix Violent Crimes Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

If you are suspected of murder, aggravated assault or another violent crime, an experienced criminal defense attorney can secure your rights. A skilled lawyer will not only look for ways to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed but will also focus on developing an effective criminal defense trial strategy. At Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC, we have a substantial background defending clients accused of violent crimes in the state of Arizona and the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Our lead criminal defense attorney, Daniel Perlman, is a former prosecutor who previously pursued charges against individuals suspected of violent crimes. Mr. Perlman and the entire Perlman Law Group offer a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system and know the right steps to take in developing a defense strategy while seeking to mitigate any potential damage.

Our ability to work with the facts in plea negotiations can turn a weak defense into a strong one. In our experience, a creative approach to your defense strategy can result in a sentence of probation or work release, even on a felony plea.

Effective Defensive Strategy for Violent Crimes

As a starting point for an effective defense strategy, we will evaluate the police report, witness statements and any physical evidence. Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC takes its approach a step further through identifying creative solutions by focusing on the actual risk of punishment you are currently facing. The threat of prison will probably be based as much on your prior record as it will be on the facts of the current criminal charges.

 

Our firm handles cases involving all types of Violent Crime allegations, including:

  • Assault and Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Murder, Attempted Murder and Manslaughter
  • Weapons Offenses
  • Armed Robbery
  • Kidnapping and False Imprisonment
  • Criminal Threats
  • Gang-Related Crimes
  • Resisting Arrest and Assault on an Officer
  • Domestic Violence

 

If weaknesses in the government’s case mean that you stand a good chance of success at trial, we will aggressively represent your interests before a jury. If the evidence against you makes a trial too risky, we will advise you and work with all parties — including prosecutors, probation officers, court services and community agencies — to show that you are an excellent candidate for favorable treatment.

Schedule a Free Consultation –  Phoenix Violent Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a Violent Crime, 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
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
assault battery felony Personal Injury Spinal Cord Injury Traumatic Brain Injury Wrongful Death

Police Investigate Domestic Dispute Cases

Police Investigate Domestic Dispute Cases

Former MLB Star Arrested for Dispute

Former MLB All-Star Albert Belle was arrested Sunday in Scottsdale on suspicion of driving under the influence and indecent exposure after police say he urinated in the parking lot of a Scottsdale soccer stadium.

Police said one of the people he exposed himself to was a juvenile.

Belle was arrested outside of the Phoenix Rising Stadium just after 10:30 p.m., according to a probable cause statement. He has since been released on his own recognizance.

A man told Salt River police his 15-year-old daughter had witnessed Belle urinating next to the driver’s side door of his car in the parking lot, the report said. The man proceeded to yell at Belle, who responded by shaking his genitals at the father and daughter, court records show.

Officers said Belle had bloodshot eyes and his breath smelled like alcohol, police wrote in the report. Belle admitted to having a verbal altercation with the man, but denied urinating in public. He also told police he had driven his car, the statement said.

Officers noticed two separate wet spots in the parking lot next to where the car was parked, according to the report.

Belle was booked into a Maricopa County jail on suspicion of two counts of indecent exposure, driving under the influence and DUI with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher.

The 51-year-old was a five-time All-Star with the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles from 1989 to 2000. A hip problem forced him to retire at 34.

Belle has been a relatively controversial figure for a variety of incidents both on and off the field, from using a corked bat in 1994 to allegedly chasing down teenagers who egged his house on Halloween. In 2006, Belle pleaded guilty to stalking his former girlfriend and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years of supervised probation.

Man Cut From Seahawks for Domestic Dispute

The Seattle Seahawks quickly cut quarterback Trevone Boykin after a domestic violence accusation earlier this week, and Boykin was arrested and charged for the incident on Wednesday.

WFAA in Dallas said Boykin, a former TCU star who had been with the Seahawks since they signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2016, was arrested and charged for assaulting his girlfriend. WFAA, citing a police news release, said detectives found surveillance video at Boykin’s home that showed “what appeared to be an assault that occurred inside the residence.” Boykin was charged with aggravated assault with serious bodily injury, according to WFAA. That’s a second-degree felony punishable by 2-20 years in prison, WFAA said.

Boykin’s girlfriend claimed to WFAA this week that Boykin had broken her jaw.

Police Sgt. William Yale’s Statement:

Basically [detectives] were able to confirm the assault occurred after reviewing the video.

According to the Associated Press, Boykin has denied the allegations. Boykin was in Tarrant County Jail overnight Wednesday and bail had not been set in his case as of Thursday afternoon, WFAA reported.

Boykin’s Girlfriend, Shabrika Bailey’s Statement:

So he goes into a choke. I remember him choking me and I’m trying to calm him down. And I just couldn’t. And I blacked out. I just couldn’t calm him down at all.

Boykin was Russell Wilson’s backup in 2016, then was on Seattle’s practice squad and didn’t appear in a game in 2017.

Man Arrested for Child Abuse

A Tucson man with a history of abuse and neglect allegations is facing charges in the death of his 3-month-old daughter, authorities said.

The Tucson Police Department said Terry Bruner, 26, has been arrested on one count of first-degree murder and five counts of child abuse.

The Arizona Department of Child Safety said Miracle Bruner was transported to the hospital Oct. 27, 2017.

Miracle had “extensive injuries, including retinal hemorrhages and head trauma,” according to DCS. She died Nov. 3 and Bruner was arrested.

According to case documents filed in the Pima County Superior Court, the interim complaint shows the types of trauma the 3-month-old girl went through.

Domestic Child Abuse

The complaint said Bruner first called 911 on Oct. 27, 2017. He indicated, “his 3-month-old daughter, Miracle Bruner, went limp and stopped breathing.”

The child was transported to Tucson Medical Center by the Tucson Fire Department, “where she arrived pulseless,” the complaint stated. Doctors worked on Miracle and Tucson Police Department detectives responded to continue the investigation.

One day later, on Oct. 28, an MRI scan was done on Miracle’s brain. The complaint states the 3-month-old had, “subdural hematomas, edema (swelling of the brain), Ischemia (inadequate blood supply to the brain) which were all indicative of abusive head trauma consistent with non-accidental trauma also referred to as shaken baby syndrome.”

That same day an X-Ray was done on Miracle and revealed 10 healing rib fractures and fractured bones in her legs.

Bruner admitted to detectives that he takes care of Miracle while the child’s mother works nights and sleeps during the day.

Complaint Read:

He admitted he may have soothed the baby in a rough manner or picked her up too fast by one arm in a rough manner or swaddled her too tight but denied ever shaking the baby at any time and could not explain how the injuries or burns occurred.

 

A jail phone call, revealed in the complaint, between Bruner and Miracle’s mother shed light on his distress at the time. When she told Terry Bruner of the extent of the injuries to Miracle he stated, “What did I do! What did I do!”

DCS said it investigated Bruner two times since 2011.

In May 2011, Bruner was accused of abusing two young children in the home where he lived. DCS said the allegations were unsubstantiated and the case was closed.

In August 2017, Miracle’s mother was accused of neglect. DCS said Miracle’s mother was receiving “services in the community to address her needs” and the case was closed.

There were no other children in Bruner’s home at the time of the incident, according to DCS.

The Pima County Superior Court schedule shows Bruner is scheduled to be back in court Thursday, March 29. The public defender he was assigned for an active felony domestic violence case does not have a contract with Pima County to defend individuals charged with First Degree Murder.

Jury trial is expected to begin in September 2018, court records show.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
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Investigating Homicide Cases

Investigating Homicide Cases

Police Still Searching for Homicide Suspects

Even though it’s been more than a year since a security guard has lost his life due to being shot and killed, police are still trying to find justice for the fallen security guard’s death. The security guard had been killed outside of an West Phoenix apartment complex. Police are still needing helping identifying two suspects.

The Phoenix Police officers found fifty-nine year old, Jeffery Bellemare, suffering from gunshot wounds. This was on November 29, 2013 at the Graybriar Condominiums. This is near the 53rd Avenue and Indian School Road. Sadly, Bellemare died at the scene.

Police Searching for Two Suspects in Security Guard’s Shooting

According to the police, there was a man and a woman that could be seen running from the area. They fled into an older model sedan vehicle. Police have released sketches of what the two suspects might look like. They hope that someone in the public would be willing to come forth if they know these people, or someone might have seen them around, just anything to go on really.

Police say that the vehicle had a vinyl top and could have been damaged in the front-end due to a front end incident that was prior to the shooting. The Phoenix Police said that the detectives have been working on this case for quite some time. It must be awful hard on these officers, not having much to go on.

If anyone has any information about the shooting or could possibly identify the two suspects, please do so. You can contact the Silent Witness program at 480-WITNESS or even the Phoenix Police Department.  If that was a friend of yours or a loved one, you would want justice. The fallen security guard’s family definitely deserves some justice and peace of mind over this. So, please help if you can.

Wrong Way Crash Ends Up in Homicide Case

Authorities say a Utah man has been arrested in connection with a wrong-way crash in western Arizona that killed three California women in another vehicle.

Arizona Department of Public Safety officials say 49-year-old Dana Michael Cavanaugh of Washington, Utah, has been booked into jail on suspicion of homicide.

They’re still trying to determine if Cavanaugh was driving impaired at the time of Saturday’s crash on Interstate 10 east of Quartzsite.

It was unclear Monday if Cavanaugh has an attorney yet.

DPS officials say a vehicle entered the interstate going the wrong way and traveled about 500 feet before colliding head-on with another car.

A 55-year-old woman and two 31-year-old women were killed.

They are identified as: Caitlin M. Cascella, 31; Christine A. Bradbury, 31; and Susan C. Bradbury, 55 all from Riverside, Calif.

Mother Faces Homicide Charges

The mother of two children found dead inside a car in Superior has been arrested on homicide charges, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office says.

PCSO says a 2-year-old boy and 10-month-old girl were found strapped to car seats inside a car Monday night near U.S. 60 and Mary Drive.

Both of the children are dead.

The children’s mother, 20-year-old Brittany Velasquez, faces two counts of murder, according to the sheriff’s office.

PCSO’s Statement:

Evidence on scene indicated foul play.

Officials from the Superior Police Department said officers had been out to Velasquez’s home seven or eight times throughout the past few years, including a January incident that was reported to the Department of Child Safety.

DCS confirmed that it had two prior reports of neglect involving Velasquez and her children: In January and in October 2016. Neither instance resulted in action from DCS, which concluded there was no evidence of abuse or neglect despite having concerns about Velasquez’s mental health.

The sheriff’s office is still investigating.

Prison Homicide

A Tucson-area man serving a 22-year sentence for a double murder has died in state prison in what authorities say is a suspected homicide.

Charlie M. Wooden, 34, was found unresponsive in his assigned bunk Monday night at a medium security state prison complex in Buckeye, authorities said. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Arizona Department of Corrections investigators “suspect foul play was involved and have identified potential suspects,” the department said in a news release Tuesday.

Arizona Department Statement:

While the investigation is ongoing, the department intends to fully pursue criminal prosecution in this case.

Wooden was sentenced to prison in 2017 for two counts of second-degree murder in the 2013 deaths of Vanessa Buster, 22, and Pluma-Blanca Jose manual Navarro Cazares, 23.

The victims were residents of Three Points west of Tucson. Wooden also was known to have lived in the Three Points area, and well as in the Drexel Heights area, according to Star archives.

Homicide Suspect

Two Flagstaff men were arrested Thursday after a woman was shot and killed Wednesday night in east Flagstaff, Flagstaff Police Department officials said.

Kinsey Beebe, 19, was found shot and in critical condition Wednesday night when officers responded to a call about shots fired near the 1900 block of east Arrowhead Avenue at approximately 11:30 p.m., Flagstaff Police spokesman Sgt. Cory Runge said in a press release.

Beebe was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center, where she died of her injuries.

Approximately half an hour after Beebe was found shot, police receive another call of shots fired in the area of North Sanford Place and North Miranda Way, Runge said. Police determined it had been a drive-by shooting at an occupied residential structure, but no one was injured.

First Degree Murder

At 2 a.m. Thursday, Adonis Encinas Velarde, 20, turned himself in and was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, kidnapping, disorderly conduct with a weapon, discharging a weapon in city limits, drive-by shooting of an occupied structure, and assisting a criminal street gang, Runge said.

Velarde told police he witnessed the murder of Beebe and was the person who fired the gun in the drive-by shooting, Runge said.

At approximately 8:45 a.m. Thursday, Abraham Puentes Ortiz, 22, was found and arrested at the 700 block of South Blackbird Roost. He was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, kidnapping, disorderly conduct with a weapon, discharging a weapon in city limits, drive-by shooting of an occupied structure, and assisting a criminal street gang, Runge said.

Ortiz told police he shot Beebe three times and drove the vehicle in the drive-by shooting, Runge said.

Police Investigate Homicide

The men allegedly told police they had been drinking with Beebe at the 1900 block of east Arrowhead Avenue. During their time there, the men went outside and fired one shot from an altered Ruger handgun with the serial number removed, Runge said.

Beebe confronted the men about the shooting because there were other people inside the house. The men then placed the gun inside the home and went for a walk. When they returned, they found out Beebe had hidden the gun. The three got in an argument and Beebe made a phone call, Runge said.

Ortiz, who was armed with a Glock handgun, shot Beebe in the head and neck three times, Runge said.

The men fled the scene in a minivan, which had an AR-15 rifle inside, Runge said. Velarde fired a gun at an occupied structure during the drive away from where Beebe was murdered.

Velarde then fled from Ortiz because he believed Ortiz would kill him next, Runge said. Velarde then surrendered himself to police.

When police located Ortiz, he was armed with a Glock handgun and police located an AR-15 in his residence.

Police believe they have arrested all suspects in the case and there is no ongoing threat to the public, Runge said.

 

 

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