PHOENIX, Ariz. — Clinton Hurley, 33, has been sentenced to natural life in prison for the murder of Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan “Johnny” Ruiz, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced Wednesday.
Hurley pleaded guilty to 16 charges, including first-degree murder, for the brutal attack that led to Deputy Ruiz’s deathin October 2021.
Deadly Attack During Booking Process
On October 9, 2021, Hurley was taken into custody on multiple felony warrants and brought to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office substation in Avondale. During the booking process, Deputy Ruiz removed Hurley’s handcuffs to place him into a holding cell.
Body camera footage captured the moment Hurley became combative, attacking Deputy Ruiz. Hurley used the blunt end of medical shears to strike the deputy multiple times and punched him repeatedly as Ruiz lay defenseless on the floor.
Deputy Ruiz succumbed to his injuries days later at a local hospital.
Escape and Violent Crime Spree
Following the attack, Hurley escaped using Deputy Ruiz’s keys and patrol car. He then stole the deputy’s second firearm from the vehicle and attempted to carjack a truck before ultimately stealing another car.
Hurley was later located in Tonopah after he fired shots at a family outside a home. The homeowner returned fire, wounding Hurley and enabling his capture.
Family and Community Seek Closure
During sentencing, Deputy Ruiz’s brother spoke about the pride their family felt when Juan became a deputy and the profound sense of loss they’ve endured since his death.
“We cannot bring him back…so, I just hope this puts an end to our grief,” Ruiz’s brother told the court.
Full List of Charges Against Hurley:
- First-Degree Murder (Class 1 Felony)
- Two counts of Armed Robbery (Class 2 Felony)
- Theft (Class 2 Felony)
- Three counts of Aggravated Assault (Class 3 Felony)
- Four counts of Attempt to Commit Armed Robbery (Class 3 Felony)
- Two counts of Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony)
- Two counts of Robbery (Class 4 Felony)
- Misconduct Involving Weapons (Class 4 Felony)
Officials Respond to Sentencing
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell praised the work of prosecutors James Baumann and Christopher Sammons in achieving justice for Deputy Ruiz’s family.
“I have said this many times and I’m going to say it again; we must protect our men and women in law enforcement and never tolerate violence against them,” Mitchell stated.
Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan also attended the sentencing and expressed his condolences.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for their unwavering dedication in bringing this case to a close,” Sheridan said. “My thoughts and prayers are with Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Ruiz’s family during this difficult time. I hope they find some measure of peace in knowing that they will always be part of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office family.”
The life sentence ensures that Hurley will spend the remainder of his life behind bars, offering some closure to the Ruiz family and the broader law enforcement community.
