Arizona Man Out of Prison 2 Days Before Murdering Phoenix Teen

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Michael Adams

Michael Paul Adams has been charged with the murder of a 17-year-old Elijah Al-Amin on July 4, 2019. The 27-year-old Adams claimed he was bothered by the young man’s rap music.

Adams had been released from prison just two days before killing Elijah. He had been serving time for aggravated assault and other charges.

Adams’ is being held in lieu of $1 million bail. His next court date is currently scheduled for July 15, 2019.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has been urged to charge Adams with a hate crime. In response, the County Attorney’s Office issued a statement advising the public that “Arizona Revised Statutes do not include a criminal charge for hate crimes. Instead, ARS 13-701 provides an option for enhanced sentencing when sufficient evidence exists that a defendant committed a felony crime while motivated by either, bias towards the victim’s identity or the defendant’s perception of a victim’s identity in a group listed in ARS 41-1750 (3). Additionally, a defendant charged with First Degree Murder faces a sentence of either Natural Life in Prison or Death.”

“Adams stated rap music makes him feel unsafe, because in the past he has been attacked by people (Blacks, Hispanics, and Native American) who listen to rap music. Adams further stated, people who listen to rap music are a threat to him and the community,” according to KTLA.

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