Arizona man accused of killing his wife
An Arizona man who called police on the morning of May 13 to report that his wife was deceased has been taken into custody. Media reports indicate that the 30-year-old Apache Junction resident was booked into the Pinal County Detention Center on a second-degree murder charge. During a May 15 arraignment hearing, a judge set his bond at $275,000.
911 call prompts homicide investigation
After the man called emergency operators to report his wife’s death, officers from the Apache Junction Police Department were dispatched to his North Delaware Drive residence to conduct a death investigation. The call was placed at approximately 7:24 a.m., according to an AJPD report. The man allegedly told the officers that he discovered his wife’s body when he returned home. The officers say that they observed obvious signs of trauma during the preliminary steps of their investigation, which prompted them to call in detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division. A warrant was then obtained to search the residence for evidence that could identify the perpetrator.
Medical examiner declares death a homicide
The Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy on the 29-year-old victim on May 14. The medical examiner who performed the autopsy determined the cause of death to be a homicide. The second-degree murder charge suggests that police do not believe the crime was premeditated. Initial reports did not reveal what led police to conclude that the man likely killed his wife, but they do state that the investigation remains open. If he is convicted, the man faces a custodial sentence of between 10 and 22 years.
Mounting a defense to murder charges
The penalties for violent offenses like homicide, manslaughter and felony assault can be severe in Arizona, which is why someone accused of such offenses would be wise to consult with a lawyer before answering any questions or making any statements. If you become a suspect in a murder investigation, an experienced criminal defense attorney could assess the evidence against you to determine the wisest course of action. If law enforcement has gathered compelling evidence, an attorney may suggest pursuing a negotiated settlement.
