(Phoenix, Arizona) – Under the direction of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, prosecutors have filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Clinton Robert Hurley (DOB: 1990) if the defendant is convicted of First-Degree Murder.
On Feb. 10, 2022, a Maricopa County Grand Jury indicted Hurley on 16 felony counts, including First-Degree Murder, Robbery, Theft of Means of Transportation, and others. The charges stem from events that occurred on Oct. 9, 2021, where it is alleged that Hurley killed Maricopa County Sheriff Deputy Juan “Johnny” Ruiz while attempting to escape custody.
“Seeking the death penalty is the most serious decision entrusted to the County Attorney,” stated County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “On Oct. 9, 2021, Deputy Juan Ruiz was simply doing his job and he paid the ultimate price trying to keep our community safe. This office will seek justice for Deputy Ruiz and his family.”
A charge in a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty