ARIZONA COUPLE MISSING/FOUND DEAD, MICHAEL & TINA CARECCIA

[imsuchawildflower]

http://m.copamonitor.com/news/local/arti...l?mode=jqm

[HairOfTheDog]

CASE UPDATE



TOX:
Final autopsy reports confirmed that both Michael and Tina Careccia had meth in their systems when they were killed, in line with the suspect's claim that the three were doing drugs together at this home when he killed the couple over a disagreement that broke out.

CONFESSION / TIES:
Valenzuela confessed to the murders on July 1 when speaking to a Pinal County Sheriff’s investigator on the phone. He lived close to the Careccias and was friends with the couple.

Sheriff Paul Babeu said there is no question the Careccias had a close relationship with their alleged killer. He mentioned the three of them attending the same barbecue on Father’s Day, just hours before the Careccias were murdered.

“The fact that they were close, their families associated, kids had relationships together … There’s (only) a few hundred yards separating the residences,” he said. “And the fact that (the Careccias) went over, even after the barbecue, late at night in (Valenzuela’s) home … It’s no doubt more disturbing for the surviving victims (the family). The sting is, I’m sure, that much more pronounced for them.”

CHARGES:
District Attorney Voyles announced in January that he would be seeking the death penalty against Valenzuela, who has been in jail since July on $2 million bond for first degree murder. I haven't seen a trial date yet.

DEFENSE ATTORNEY STATEMENT:
Pinal County Public Defender James Mannato, representing Valenzuela, said he has an obligation to respond to any comments made about his client through the media. He took exception to the sheriff speaking with great certainty about Valenzuela’s guilt.

I would like to remind people Jose Valenzuela has pleaded not guilty in this case,” he said. Mannato said Valenzuela intends to “vigorously deny” the deaths of the Careccias were caused “intentionally and with premeditation.”

Note: No charges have been filed against Valenzuela's roommate who was home at the time of the incident. According to authorities, he didn't initially speak up because he had been threatened with death if he did (no doubt, he will also be serving as a key witness for the prosecution).

Sources:
http://www.inmaricopa.com/valenzuela-fac...a-murders/
http://www.trivalleycentral.com/casa_gra...372b0.html
http://www.trivalleycentral.com/casa_gra...142aa.html