Inmate Robert Jones was put to death last month. He was responsible for the murders of seven individuals, six of which were during two armed robberies in Tucson. The man's last words were, "Love and respect my friends and family and hope my friends are never here." Robert Jones was the second Arizona death row inmate put to death in October. As of right now, there remain 121 individuals on Arizona death row.
Circumstances Considered Before Imposing a Death Row Sentence
Since 1976, there have been 28 executions in Arizona. The ten aggravating circumstances that are considered before deciding whether to impose the death sentence include:
- Prior conviction for which a sentence of life imprisonment or death was imposable
- Prior serious offense involving the use or threat of violence
- Grave risk of death to others
- Procurement of murder by payment or promise of payment
- Commission of murder for pecuniary gain
- Murder committed in an especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner
- Murder committed while in custody
- Multiple homicides
- Murder of a victim under 15 years of age
- Murder of a law enforcement officer
Mitigating Circumstances
Mitigating circumstances include the defendant's capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of his conduct was impaired, the defendant was under unusual and substantial duress, the defendant's participation in the crime was minor or the defendant could not reasonably foresee that his conduct would cause the death of another person.
Types of Homicide and Murder Charges in Arizona
There are a variety of different criminal charges that apply to the taking of human life. These include:
- Negligent homicide- when someone causes the death of a human being because of criminal negligence
- Vehicular manslaughter- when an individual causes the death of another person as a result of reckless driving
- Manslaughter- when an individual recklessly causes the death of another person (this can also be charged if a second-degree murder is seen as a crime of passion)
- Second-degree murder- when an individual intentionally kills another person or acts with extreme indifference to human life that leads to the death of another person
- First-degree murder- when an individual intentionally and knowingly acts in such a way that causes the death of another person (intent is always present in these situations)
Whenever you are accused of a serious crime, such as murder or manslaughter, it is imperative that you secure hard-hitting criminal defense immediately. Our lead attorney, Anthony Knowles is a former police officer and he can put his unique understanding of the other side to work for you! Other members of our team are former prosecutors, and as a result, they will know what approach the prosecutors might take and where potential loopholes in their arguments can be found. For the aggressive legal representation you can count on— whether you are facing murder or another criminal charge entirely— contact the team at Knowles Law Firm, PLC today!