PHOENIX— Christopher Redondo (D.O.B. 07-24-1974) was sentenced to Life in the Department of Corrections for the 2010 murder of Gilbert Police Lieutenant Eric Shuhandler, which occurred during a traffic stop. Sentencing for additional charges including five counts of aggravated assault and one count of drive-by shooting will take place on May 17, 2019.

“Nine years ago, the defendant callously killed a police officer in cold blood, and then endangered the lives of many others during a lengthy pursuit. Lieutenant Shuhandler’s loved ones have waited a long time to see this day,” said County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “Though it may not provide closure, I want to thank those who have worked and persevered to seek justice for this heinous act.”

On January 28, 2010 Officer Shuhandler pulled over a 1990 Ford pickup truck, in which Redondo was a passenger. After obtaining the driver's license from the driver, Daimen Irizarry, and personal identifying information from Redondo, Lt. Shuhandler went to his vehicle. When he returned to the truck, he approached the passenger's side, at which time, Redondo shot Lt. Shuhandler in the face, killing him. A 50-mile vehicle chase ensued, ending only when the truck ran out of gas and the defendant was apprehended.

Redondo was found guilty of the murder by the jury on April 17, 2019. Aggravating factors leading the prosecution to seek the death penalty were that he had previously been convicted of a serious offense—a 2009 murder for which he has already been serving a life sentence—and that he murdered on an on-duty law enforcement officer.

Irizarry was sentenced to 107 years in the Department of Corrections in 2010 for his role in the murder.