High-profile Arizona criminal cases database

Published

2 years ago

June 17, 2024

Press Room

Seven suspects arrested and charged in death of Preston Lord

Arizona Republicans arraigned in ‘fake electors’ case

Aaron Saucedo

Man accused of killing 9 people during serial street shootings

Aaron Saucedo, 28, was arrested in April 2017 in connection with serial street shootings that began in August 2015 and ended in July 2016. His next hearing is scheduled for July 15, 2024.

Alex Anthony Madrid

Mesa man charged with rape, murder of teen girl found in a dumpster in 2013

Alex Anthony Madrid is facing first degree murder, kidnapping, sex conduct with a minor, molestation of a child, child abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment/concealment of a body and tampering with physical evidence. His trial is set for August 5, 2024.

Angel Mullooly

Three people, including one with Neo-Nazi ties, charged in beating death of Jake Kelly

34-year-old Angel Mullooly is facing murder charges. Cory Young, 44, and Shannon Young, 37, are accused of hindering prosecution.

Anthony Milan Ross

Vegan chef, motivational speaker accused of killing ex-wife and 2 children on Christmas Day 2017

April McLaughlin

Woman accused of keeping dozens of dogs in horrifying conditions at a home in Chandler

April McLaughlin pleaded not guilty to the charges in January, 2024. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for June 27, 2024.

Blaze Thibaudeau

Leader of doomsday family back in Arizona to face charges in Gilbert teen’s disappearance

Blaze Thibaudeau was reportedly taken by his uncle, Brook Hale, his non-custodial mother, Spring Thibaudeau. Hale, 47, is charged with one count of custodial interference and one count of conspiracy to commit custodial interference. Spring Thibaudeau is still awaiting extradition back to Arizona.

Christopher Rand Hoopes

Man allegedly shoots, kills wife at Tempe home after claiming she ‘startled’ him

36-year-old Christopher Rand Hoopes will be in court July 15, 2024. His trial is scheduled for July 22, 2024.

Cleophus Cooksey

Phoenix man charged in serial killing spree that left 9 dead in 3 weeks

Cleophus Cooksey is accused of killing nine people, including his mother and stepfather, in the Phoenix area in 2017.

David Schnirch

Scottsdale luxury car dealer arrested on multiple counts of sexual exploitation, luring girls under 15

David Schnirch was arrested in the Summer of 2021 on child sex crime charges. His next hearing is scheduled for July 19, 2024.

DaVonte’ Neal

Former U of A football player charged with murder

DaVonte’ Neal is charged with first-degree murder, drive-by-shooting, and discharging a firearm at a structure in the 2017 death of Bryan T. Burns. Neal is expected back in court July 22, 2024.

Essa Williams

Phoenix man accused of shooting officer 8 times in 2021

Essa Williams is facing attempted murder charges, accused of gunning down Phoenix police officer Tyler Moldovan in 2021.

Germayne Cunningham

Former Phoenix PD detective and wife accused of killing 7-year-old daughter

Pre-trial conference starts August 23, 2024. Trial is scheduled for September 3, 2024.

Ian Mitcham

Man arrested in gruesome murder 2015 of Scottdale woman after DNA evidence was found years later

Ian Mitcham was arrested for the murder of Allison Feldman, who was sexually assaulted, strangled, and beaten to death at her Scottsdale home in February 2015. Mitcham will be back in court September 26, 2024.

Isaac King

Avondale man accused of shooting, killing DPS Trooper on Interstate 10

Isaac Damon King plead not guilty in the 2018 shooting death of DPS Trooper Tyler Edenhofer.

James Estep

Mesa man accused of sexually assaulting 5 women, teen girl

James Estep is being held without bond. His next hearing is scheduled for July 2, 2024.

Jonathon Altland

Man accused of killing Chandler police officer, injuring Gilbert officer after leading them on a car chase

Joshua Ben Anderson

Former White Mountain Apache police officers indicted after hitting and killing woman with squad car

Joshua Ben Anderson pled guilty to attempting a cover up after a hit and run in his squad car. His sentencing is August 5, 2024.

Larry Edward Brown Jr

IRS agent indicted in deadly shooting of fellow agent following Phoenix training exercise

On August 17, 2023, Special Agent Patrick Bauer was shot during training at a federal gun range located on prison grounds in north Phoenix.

Lori Vallow

Former valley mom convicted in Idaho of killing her kids, now facing charges in Maricopa County

Lori Vallow’s next pre-trial conference is set for July 25, 2024.

Octavia Rogers

Phoenix mother accused of killing her 3 kids in 2016

Octavia Rogers is facing 3 counts of first degree murder after her three young sons were found stabbed to death.

Raad Almansoori

Man accused in a violent multi-state crime spree, including two stabbings in the Valley and the death of a woman at a New York City hotel room

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has refused to extradite him to New York until he stands trial for his alleged crimes in Arizona.

Rachel Henry

Phoenix mother accused of suffocating her 3 children to death

Rachel Henry is set to appear in court in August 2024. She pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in February 2020.

Samuel Bateman

FLDS polygamist leader arraigned in court on child sex abuse charges

Samuel Bateman faces 51 felonies. The FBI says he had 20 wives, many of them underage. Ten of his followers, including some of his adult wives, were also charged with aiding him. Sentencing is set for July 15, 2024.

Sophia Simmons

Mom arrested after young daughter found dead in dumpster behind Phoenix business

38-year-old Sophia Simmons is facing a murder charge after her young daughter was found dead in a dumpster behind a business in Phoenix on Christmas Eve 2023. Simmons’ trial is set for September 5, 2024.

Stephanie Davis & Thomas James Desharnais

Prosecutors to seek death penalty for murder of 11-year-old boy in Scottsdale hotel

Terrance Santistevan

Man accused of gunning down two teens in Casa Grande in 2022

Terrance Santistevan is in Pinal County jail on charges of first-degree murder. His next court appearance is set for July 22, 2024.

Zion Teasley

Man accused of stabbing, killing Lauren Heike while hiking in North Scottsdale

Zion Teasley’s next court hearing is set for September 22, 2024.

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Here’s what Arizona law says about pedestrians’ right of way

Published

10 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

Here’s what Arizona law says about pedestrians’ right of way

The Arizona Republic sampled expertise on pedestrian right of way from those who know the rules best: law enforcement.
Unless there is a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing, motorists must yield the right of way to a pedestrian on a crosswalk, according to Arizona state law, A.R.S. 28-792.
A pedestrian cannot “leave any curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield,” the law states.

Arizonans may think pedestrians always having the right of way is a given.

State law, however, does not quite reach that conclusion.

When pedestrians have the right of way varies based on the situation. And there is a lot to take into account.

Making matters more concerning, data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that in 2024 there were 2,079 pedestrians involved in traffic crashes in the state. Of these, 263 were killed.

The Arizona Republic sampled expertise on pedestrian right of way from those who know the rules best: law enforcement.

Here is what you should know about the laws regarding pedestrian right of way in Arizona.

What Arizona law says about pedestrians’ right of way in a crosswalk

Unless there is a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing, motorists must yield the right of way to a pedestrian on a crosswalk, according to Arizona state law, A.R.S. 28-792. Pedestrians also have right of way when a pedestrian is on half of the roadway that the vehicle is traveling or when approaching a vehicle so closely from the opposite half of the road that they are in danger, the law says.

Additionally, the law directs drivers to not try and pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian at a marked crosswalk or at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

Are there exceptions to when a pedestrian has a right of way in Arizona?

A pedestrian cannot “leave any curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield,” the law states.

What law enforcement says about pedestrians’ right of way in Arizona

Phoenix police spokesperson Sgt. Brian Bower explained that a pedestrian crossing a crosswalk with signage indicating not to cross would be a fault in a crash. Pedestrians cannot cross the street on an angle, but must cross in a straight path, Bower added.

“The pedestrians have to ensure that there is safe distance and it’s safe to cross over,” Bower said. “It’s still up to the drivers that if there’s somebody in the street, they have to still slow down or stop for that individual.”

Marked crosswalks typically have white lines painted on them, he noted, adding, there are also the ones with traffic signals at major intersections.

Bower also pointed to the High Intensity Activated CrossWalK (HAWK) crosswalks found in Phoenix, which are activated by a pedestrian pushing a button and a sequence of yellow, red and flashing red lights for motorists to yield.

Some tips for drivers regarding pedestrians’ right of way

Mesa police spokesperson Detective Jessie Macias advised that pedestrians make eye contact with approaching drivers.

“Try to be seen,” Macias said. “You want to do it in each lane.”

Macias also urged drivers approaching a green light where some vehicles appear to have slowed down or have come to a complete stop to double check whether there is a pedestrian still crossing.

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Cardinals WR Joins Patriots for Playoff Push

Published

22 hours ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

Cardinals WR Joins Patriots for Playoff Push

ARIZONA — Former Arizona Cardinals WR Trent Sherfield Sr. is joining the New England Patriots’ practice squad ahead of their Divisional Round tilt against the Houston Texans.

Sherfield was one of eight Cardinals players that had his contract expire yesterday, effectively making him a free agent. It didn’t take him long to find a new home.

Sherfield played a total of 12 regular season games between the Cardinals and Broncos this year. He signed to Arizona’s practice squad later in the year after a plethora of injuries plagued the Cardinals’ wide receiver room.

For the Cardinals specifically, he had just one target thrown his way through the two games he played after landing in Arizona back in November.

It was initially a homecoming for Sherfield, who began his career with Arizona as an undrafted free agent back in 2018.

“Coming here was a blessing in a lot of different ways,” said Sherfield (h/t AZCardinals.com). “I needed to be here … It’ll be surreal to be back out there.”

Now, Sherfield is a depth piece for one of the league’s hottest teams in New England, who could very well make a push to the Super Bowl if they play to their strengths.

As for the Cardinals, they’re in the midst of a coaching search yet again after Jonathan Gannon was sent packing after three years of service.

“I know our fans are frustrated. I am more frustrated. I know Monti is more frustrated. And so is JG and every one of those coaches and players. We all expected more. But when I look at it, some of the changes that were made with other teams just a year or two years ago, those teams with new coaches from a year or two ago are now in the playoffs, playing this weekend,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said.

“I know we can turn it around, and I’m looking forward to getting going with this search because it’s going to be a great opportunity for us to be that next story where we flip it around.

“We want to win. This was a decision that was based solely off winning. When I look at what other teams have done, and frankly, historically, we’ve done a quick turnaround in our not too distant past, I am looking forward to that, and I hope it’s going to be in the first year, not in the second year,” he said.

“But we’re confident that our search is going to be thorough, it’s going to be broad, and we’re going to select the right coach.”

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Arizona will regulate groundwater where Saudi company grows alfalfa

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2026

Press Room

Arizona will regulate groundwater where Saudi company grows alfalfa

Arizona is creating a new active management area in the Ranegras groundwater basin to more tightly monitor water use.
The new rules require annual water use reports and conservation goals for high-capacity wells.
Saudi-owned Fondomonte and other large farms will face new reporting requirements and conservation goals.

Farmers, municipalities and industry in southeastern La Paz County, where Saudi-owned Fondomonte grows alfalfa for export, will face new requirements on groundwater use and reporting.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources designated an active management area in the Ranegras groundwater basin on Jan. 9, the agency said. With it, the area will become the eighth AMA in the state and the second one initiated by state mandate during Gov. Katie Hobbs’ administration. Hobbs also announced the designation in her Jan. 12 State of the State address.

The agency held an informational public meeting in Salome in October, and a formal hearing in December, ahead of its final decision. From the 400 oral and written comments it received from the public, the “vast majority” supported the AMA, the agency wrote in a press release.

“The future of residents and businesses depends upon protecting the finite groundwater resources,” Director Tom Buschatzke said in a statement.

According to the agency, agricultural water use in Ranegras is estimated at nearly 40,000 acre-feet a year; recharge, or what is returned to the aquifer, is an estimated 2,000 acre-feet per year. There are no exact numbers because, until now, individuals could pump unlimited amounts of groundwater without reporting how much they were using. That’s still the case in most of rural Arizona, where there are no groundwater regulations in place.

La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin celebrated the announcement.

“We asked for a rural management tool that would fit our unique needs. Year after year, those pleas fell on deaf ears. Today, we’ve finally been heard,” she said in a statement. The AMA, she added, “is the decisive action we need to stop the bleeding that threatens the vitality of our community.”

County Supervisor Ducey Minor opposed the creation of an AMA at the formal hearing, saying that there is a water problem to address but the imposed regulations would stunt growth.

The AMA blocks agricultural expansion, and mandates annual water use reports and water conservation goals. Land that had not been irrigated for crop production sometime in the last five years cannot be farmed again unless owners show they’ve made a “substantial capital investment” on it.

Fondomonte, a subsidiary of Saudi-owned dairy Almarai, owns 22,873 acres of land in La Paz County, according to the assessor’s office, and will be granted “irrigation grandfathered rights” for land the company has farmed in the area in the past five years. The company hasn’t responded to numerous requests from The Republic to disclose how many acres it is actively farming in the Ranegras basin.

Like all other water users irrigating more than two acres or using pumps with a capacity of more than 35 gallons per minute, Fondomonte will face conservation goals and report annual water use, which is not public today.

Egg producers, pistachio orchards, dairies, feedlots and other farms in Ranegras would face similar requirements. There are nearly 8,000 acres of irrigated farmland in the basin, according to state estimates.

Wells that pump 35 gallons per minute or less, like those used for home needs, are not subject to regulation under the AMA.

Arizona’s water authority said the mandatory measuring and reporting will provide “reliable water use data,” benefit all users, and improve decision-making and transparency.

What will change?

The AMA will place restrictions on new high-capacity wells, like those used for crop irrigation, and demand annual water use reports or estimates. Anyone who wants to drill or deepen a well that pumps more than 35 gallons per minute, known as a “non-exempt well,” will have to perform a well-impact analysis, which will be subject to approval.

The AMA places no restrictions on wells pumping less than 35 gallons per minute, also called “exempt” wells.

Farmers using wells that irrigate more than two acres of land or pump more than 35 gallons per minute will have to measure how much water they are extracting. The conservation goals and management plan for the area, to be determined, would be designed to mitigate or slow down groundwater depletion. There would be a different conservation plan for agriculture, municipalities and industry.

A groundwater users advisory council, or GUAC, made up of five volunteer members who represent water users in the basin, will provide input to the state agency prior to adoption of the management plans. Those members are appointed by the governor. Anyone can submit their candidacy.

The Department said in the announcement it will send additional information to stakeholders and residents of the basin over the coming weeks.

Fondomonte is in an ongoing lawsuit with the Arizona Attorney General’s office.

“Regardless of whether an AMA is imposed in the Ranegras Plain, which I support, my office is moving forward with our public nuisance lawsuit against Fondomonte,” Attorney General Kris Mayes said at a meeting in Cochise County on Jan. 8, where she announced a settlement with Riverview LLP, a Minnesota-owned dairy that owns 58,562 acres in the Douglas and Willcox AMAs.

Managing groundwater depletion and protecting rural water users takes a mix of tools, she added.

“(An AMA) does not address the damage already done.”

Clara Migoya covers agriculture and water issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to clara.migoya@arizonarepublic.com.

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