In a grim conclusion to a tragic case, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced the sentencing of Aaron Aldric Thomas, who has been handed down two consecutive natural life sentences for the brutal murder of two individuals in Mesa.
County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “In just two minutes, this man committed such heinous acts, displaying a level of cold-bloodedness and calculation that warrants him spending the remainder of his life behind bars.”
The events leading to this tragic sentencing unfolded on January 28, 2022, when the defendant, Aaron Aldric Thomas, meticulously planned and executed the murders of his victims. Armed with a firearm, gloves, and a mask, Thomas orchestrated a drug deal as a ruse to gain access to the victims’ residence. Upon the victim opening the door, Thomas callously shot him in the back without a word. Subsequently, as chaos ensued and a second victim pleaded for her life, Thomas mercilessly fired multiple shots at her before returning to the first victim and executing him at point-blank range.
The evidence gathered during the investigation painted a damning picture of Thomas’s guilt. DNA recovered from a retaining wall, touched by the defendant during his escape, linked him conclusively to the crime scene. Additionally, surveillance footage from various locations, including inside the victims’ home, neighboring properties, and nearby businesses, provided irrefutable proof of Thomas’s presence and actions during the fateful night.
Law enforcement’s meticulous efforts led to Thomas’s arrest at his residence in Laveen. At the time of apprehension, Thomas was in possession of a firearm, a violation stemming from prior felony convictions that rendered him a prohibited possessor under Arizona law.
County Attorney Rachel Mitchell commended the diligent work of Homicide Bureau Chief Jon Eliason and Deputy County Attorney John Hudson for their unwavering dedication in unraveling the complexities of this case.
On December 14, 2023, Aaron Aldric Thomas was found guilty on multiple charges, including two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Armed Robbery, and one count of Burglary in the First-Degree. His sentencing on May 3rd marked the culmination of legal proceedings, with Thomas receiving two consecutive natural life sentences for the murder charges and additional terms for the remaining offenses.
The harrowing nature of this crime underscores the tragic loss experienced by the victims’ families and the Mesa community at large.
