This past week in Phoenix, crime news headlines told the stories of multiple Arizonians accused of violent offenses. Some incidents involve sexual abuse, others child abuse and others murder. Take a look at some of the most recent violent crime allegations in the greater Phoenix area.
Family Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse Charges
At least five members of a Phoenix family have been accused of child abuse and some have pled guilty in connection with the death of a 10-year-old girl. Most recently, the grandmother of the young girl pled guilty to attempted child abuse. According to reports, the grandmother frequently hit the girl with a paddle and locked her inside of a footlocker. The father of the young girl as well as an aunt have also pled guilty to child abuse charges. Those who pled "not guilty" include two other relatives of the young girl. Sentencing is set for early in June. The maximum penalty for the grandmother's attempted child abuse conviction could be up to 30 years in prison.
Phoenix Man Arrested on Kidnapping/Sexual Assault Allegations
As far as the Phoenix Police Department is aware of, a Phoenix man is alleged of raping at least three women. This man was recently arrested, and will face charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and armed robbery. The first woman was a prostitute; the second victim was an 18-year-old who he attempted to force inside his vehicle; the third woman was a 48-year-old who was walking alone on North 59th Avenue. Although three victims are currently known, police believe that this man assaulted other women.
Mom Sentenced to One Year Imprisonment for Verbal Assault
A Phoenix woman was arrested and charged with assaulting her children. According to allegations, the mother had threatened her two young children with a butcher's knife after an evening of heavy drinking. The assault took place on Christmas Day. For this, police arrested her and she was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She was recently convicted, and will serve a jail sentence of one year in addition to three years' supervised probation.
Two People Shot While Inside a Vehicle
Police are currently investigating the death of one man and the serious injury of another woman. According to reports, the two were shot while they were traveling in their vehicle. The driver then lost control and the car struck a tree. Police do not yet know who the shooter was, what the shooter's motive was or how far the vehicle traveled after the shots were fired.
Domestic Assault at Campground
This criminal allegation took place outside of Phoenix, at a campground near Prescott. A man and his girlfriend were staying at Camp Verde. The police were notified of domestic assault and arrived at the scene to arrest the Prescott man. He is accused of assaulting his girlfriend and shooting at other campers who tried to interfere. This man is now being charged with aggravated assault, endangerment, possession of a firearm without permission and disorderly conduct.
Police Searching for University of Arizona Stabbing Suspect
University of Arizona police are on the hunt for a 60-year-old man who is accused of stabbing someone on the school campus. After the assault, the man fled the scene in a car.
If you have been arrested or charged with a violent offense in the Phoenix area, contact a Phoenix criminal defense attorney from Knowles Law Firm, PLC. Lead Attorney Anthony Knowles is a former police officer, and has over 20 years of experience in the Arizona criminal justice system. This firm provides free case evaluations so that you can discuss your charges with us in confidence.