Taron Lavelle Watkins has been found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, Class One Felonies, one count of attempted first-degree murder, a Class Two Felony, and one count of aggravated assault, a Class Three Felony.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, on August 26, 2017, Chandler Police were called to investigate a report of a shooting near Elliot Road and Arizona Avenue. According to witnesses, the shooting happened inside a red sedan sitting in a parking lot. Watkins was a passenger in the car. Another victim who survived his wounds called 911 for help. A 16-year-old female in the backseat also succumbed to her injuries.
“This has been a difficult case that has taken years to bring to justice. I commend the prosecutors who have worked arduously on behalf of the victims and their families to ensure this violent offender is held accountable.” shared County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
Watkins faces two natural life sentences for his conviction.