John Cruz

Murderer

1known / alleged victims

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: USA
Location: Pima County, Arizona, USA
Date of birth: February 13, 1970
Age at first offence: 33
Characteristics: police officer, to avoid arrest
Victim profile: Patrick Kent Hardesty, 40 (police officer)
Method of murder: Shooting
Date(s) of murder: May 26, 2003
Years active: 2003
Date of arrest: Same day
Status: Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on May 10, 2005

Case Summary

Overview

John Cruz was sentenced to death on May 10, 2005.

Background

Officer Patrick Kent Hardesty served with the Tucson Police Department. He had an Incident Details tour of duty of 13 years and an End of Watch of Monday, May 26, 2003. His badge number was 31432. Officer Hardesty had been with the Tucson Police Department as a reserve officer for 11 years and as a full-time officer for 19 months. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He was survived by his wife, three children, parents, two sisters, and a brother.

The offence

On Monday, May 26, 2003, Cruz murdered Officer Patrick Hardesty, an on-duty law enforcement officer with the Tucson Police Department. Officer Hardesty had responded to a traffic collision in which Cruz’s vehicle struck another vehicle.

After the traffic collision, Cruz fled the scene. Officer Hardesty and other officers located Cruz inside a nearby apartment. Cruz told the officers that his name was Frank White and led the officers to a vehicle parked outside the apartment complex to get identification. Instead of producing identification, Cruz escaped by sneaking through a hole in a fence right next to the apartments.

Officer Hardesty began chasing Cruz on foot while another officer ran back to his police car and drove in the direction that Officer Hardesty was chasing. Cruz shot and killed Officer Hardesty before the other officers arrived. Cruz fired four shots, including shots to the head and abdomen, from point-blank range.

Cause of Death was gunfire. The weapon used was a gun; unknown type.

Investigation

Officer Hardesty was shot and fatally wounded during a struggle that occurred shortly after arriving at the scene, when Officer Hardesty located a suspect. Officer Hardesty was shot five times and was fatally wounded. Officer Hardesty was taken by ambulance to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Responding officers apprehended the suspect after a short foot pursuit. The suspect was identified as Cruz in the proceedings.

Arrest

Responding officers apprehended the suspect after a short foot pursuit following the shooting.

Trial

Start of Trial: January 19, 2005

Proceedings:

Presiding Judge: Hon. Ted B. Borek
Prosecutor: Rick Unklesbay & Thomas Weaver, Jr.
Defense Counsel: Brick Storts & David Basham

Verdict: February 25, 2005

The suspect was found guilty of first degree murder on February 25, 2005.

Sentencing

Sentencing: March 10, 2005

Aggravating Circumstances included: Murder of a peace officer in the line of duty.

Cruz was sentenced to death on March 10, 2005. The status recorded was “Sentenced to death on May 10, 2005.”

Appeals

Direct Appeal pending before the Arizona Supreme Court.

Outcome

Cruz was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death following the verdict.

Other details

Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: 31432
Date of Incident: Monday, May 26, 2003
Date of Sentencing: March 10, 2005
Date of Verdict: February 25, 2005
End of Watch: Monday, May 26, 2003
Gunfire was the cause of death
Weapon used: Gun; Unknown type

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