Shooter Gets Life For Nearly Killing Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan

A man, Essa Williams, who attempted to murder Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 25 years.

According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, on December 14, 2021, Officers Tyler Moldovan and Zach Johnson responded to a call for service at an apartment complex near 15th Avenue and Camelback Road. Officer Moldovan approached Williams, who was hiding behind a half-wall on a patio at one of the apartments where he did not live and had no permission to be. As Officer Moldovan told Williams to show his hands, Williams fired fifteen rounds at Officer Moldovan, including multiple rounds after he was already down and unconscious. Williams then jumped over the patio wall and pulled and tugged at Officer Moldovan’s duty weapon and body with complete disregard for his life or his injuries, trying to get a hold of his service weapon.

In August of this year, a jury found Williams guilty of the following:
• One count of Aggravated Assault, a Class Two Dangerous Felony (victim: Tyler Moldovan)
• One count of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, a Class Two Dangerous Felony (victim: Tyler Moldovan)
• One count of Aggravated Assault, a Class Three Felony (victim: Zachary Johnson)
• Two counts of Misconduct Involving Weapons, a Class Four Felony

“I will never forget the day Officer Moldovan was nearly killed, as I was one of the prosecutors who responded to the scene that early morning. Etched in my memory is the state in which Officer Moldovan was left after being riddled with bullets,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Officer Moldovan’s recovery is a miracle and due in great part to the doctors and nurses, and of course, his family and friends who have stood by his side throughout the last five years. As to prosecutors Linda Garcia and Evelyn Hernandez and their team, their selfless work toward achieving justice is exemplary and deserving of the highest recognition.”

“On December 14, 2021, Tyler and Zach’s lives changed forever. The violent, unprovoked attack on Tyler, who was just 22 years old, nearly took his life. Today, the man responsible is finally facing the consequences of his actions, and justice has been served,” said Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano. “I am grateful for the dedication of the prosecutors, detectives, and everyone who stood by Tyler throughout this journey. But accountability alone cannot make Tyler whole or erase the impact of that day on those who were there or those who helped him get to where he is now. Any moment and any day can change our lives. Our profession reminds us of the sacrifices we make—and the sacrifices we are willing to give—each time we put on this uniform and badge.”