State of Arizona v. Samuel Thomas Stangl V

Tucson, Arizona, criminal defense lawyer represents the Defendant charged with multiple first degree murder, in violation of Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1105 .

Samuel Thomas Stangl V, age 29, was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping, burglary, and assault.

Arizona defines first-degree murder under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1105 as a Class 1 felony committed through three main categories of conduct:

Types of First-Degree Murder

• Premeditated Murder: Causing the death of another person—or an unborn child—with intent or knowledge and with premeditation.

• Felony Murder: Causing the death of another person in the course of, or while fleeing from, specific enumerated felonies (such as sexual offenses, terrorism, drug offenses, drive-by shootings, kidnapping, burglary, arson, robbery, escape, or child abuse). Under this rule, a person can be charged even if they did not intend to cause a death.

• Law Enforcement Officer Murder: Intentionally or knowingly causing the death of an on-duty law enforcement officer.
(Note: Unborn child provisions exclude lawful abortions, necessary medical treatments, or acts by the mother).

Penalties

First-degree murder is classified as a Class 1 felony. According to the Arizona Legislature Code and legal overviews like Feldman Royle, punishments depend on the date of the offense and the type of murder:

• For crimes committed before August 2, 2012: Punishable by the death penalty, natural life imprisonment, or life imprisonment (with parole eligibility after a minimum of 25 years, or 35 years if the victim was under age 15).

• For crimes committed on or after August 2, 2012:

• Premeditated Murder & Law Enforcement Murder: Punishable by the death penalty or natural life imprisonment (life with the possibility of parole is not an option for adults).

A criminal charge is not proof of guilt.