INMATE 140694 SPEER PAUL, B


Paul Speer was in jail awaiting trial for a burglary he committed with his brother, Chris Womble, at the residence of Adan and Enriqueta Soto. While in jail, Speer conspired with his other brother, Brian Womble, over the phone to kill Adan and Enriqueta Soto, who were to be witnesses in the burglary trial.  In the early hours of May 25, 2002, Brian Womble broke into the Soto residence and shot Adan and Enriqueta while they slept with their baby boy between them.  Enriqueta awoke in pain, not knowing she had been shot and called 911 after failing to wake Adan.  Enriqueta, then 30, was permanently debilitated.  Adan, 42, died with his arms around his son.  Two other children were asleep in the Soto residence at the time.   Brian Womble was also sentenced to death for his participation in this crime.

PROCEEDINGS

    Presiding Judge:      Hon. Andrew G. Klein

    Prosecutor:           Jeanette Gallagher

    Defense Counsel:   Robert Storrs, Bruce Blumberg, & Pamela Nicholson

    Start of Trial:        November 2, 2006

    Verdict:                January 25, 2007

    Sentencing:           March 29, 2007

 

    Aggravating Circumstances

        Prior conviction for a serious offense

        Grave risk of death to others

        Especially heinous, cruel or depraved

        Committed offense while in custody

 

PUBLISHED OPINIONS

    [Direct Appeal pending before the Arizona Supreme Court]