Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced that defendant Benny Charles Brooks III has received the maximum possible sentences stemming from a home invasion and murder that took place in June of 2018.

During the crime, Brooks – along with two other men – forced their way into a Laveen home. Wearing ski masks and armed with an assault rifle and handguns, the trio zip tied the home’s residents and threatened to kill them. One resident, Matthew Corral, untied himself, wrestled a gun away from the attackers and shot and killed one of attackers; Brooks, in turn, killed Corral. During the incident, a total of 24 rounds of gunfire were exchanged.

In May 2023, a jury found Brooks guilty of 16 felony counts: two counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree burglary, one count of armed robbery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated robbery, five counts of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, and six counts of kidnapping.

Brooks was sentenced to two concurrent life sentences for the murders. He received an additional 25-years for the remaining 14 counts, also to be served consecutively.

“This was a horrific crime and one that has taken years to bring to a conclusion, “said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “I am so proud of the prosecutors and victim advocates that worked to get the maximum sentences in this case. They are a perfect example of the dedication and commitment of our office to ensure that those who cause harm in our community are held accountable for their actions.”