An accused murderer has been found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced today that Taron Lavelle Watkins had been found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of aggravated assault. As a result, Watkins will face two natural life sentences.
Chandler Police responded to a report of a shooting near Elliot Road and Arizona Avenue on August 26, 2017. Witnesses stated that the shooting happened inside a red sedan sitting in the parking lot. Watkins was a passenger in the vehicle. Evidence presented at trial proved that Watkins was the shooter although no motive has been determined.
Another victim survived the attack and called 911. A 16-year-old female in the backseat passed away as well. Watkins will be sentenced around 1:30 p.m. on May 13, 2024.
Jay Skelton is an independent crime journalist with a passion for covering the uncovered and the under covered.