PHX Reporter

Aaron Aldric Thomas, 55, has been handed two consecutive natural life sentences for the murder of two individuals in Mesa. This sentencing comes approximately five months following his conviction.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, in a press release, detailed how Thomas meticulously planned the homicides. He procured a firearm, gloves, and a mask and had also set up to buy drugs from one of his victims. Upon opening the door for Thomas, the first victim was shot in the back while retreating. As Thomas prepared to depart with the narcotics, the second victim cried out and pleaded for mercy. He fired multiple shots at her before discharging additional rounds at close range at the first victim.

"In two minutes, this man killed two people in such a cold-blooded, calculated way, making prison for the rest of his life the right place for him to be," said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell in the press release.

The press release further stated that police gathered DNA from a retaining wall that Thomas touched while escaping from the crime scene. Video footage also placed him at the location of the crime, leading to his subsequent arrest at his residence in Laveen.

According to another statement from the press release, Thomas' verdict was delivered on December 14, 2023. He was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder as well as armed robbery and burglary. His sentencing took place on May 3. In addition to receiving natural life sentences for each murder charge, Thomas was given 21 years for each of his other convictions.