PHX Reporter

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that Clinton Hurley has been sentenced to natural life in prison for the murder of Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan “Johnny” Ruiz. The incident occurred on October 9, 2021, when Hurley was arrested on multiple felony warrants and taken to a substation in Avondale. During processing, he attacked Deputy Ruiz, who later died from his injuries.

Hurley managed to escape using Deputy Ruiz's keys and patrol car. He also stole a gun from the vehicle and attempted further crimes before being captured in Tonopah after firing shots at a family and being shot by a homeowner.

Deputy Ruiz's brother expressed the family's grief and hope for closure: "We cannot bring him back…so, I just hope this puts an end to our grief."

Hurley pled guilty to 16 charges, including first-degree murder and multiple counts of armed robbery, theft, aggravated assault, and misconduct involving weapons.

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized the importance of protecting law enforcement personnel: “I have said this many times and I’m going to say it again; we must protect our men and women in law enforcement and never tolerate violence against them.” She commended prosecutors James Baumann and Christopher Sammons for their work in securing justice for Deputy Ruiz’s family.

Sheriff Jerry Sheridan also expressed gratitude towards the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office: “I want to express my gratitude to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for their unwavering dedication in bringing this case to a close.”

The sentencing saw attendance from members of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office as they paid tribute to their fallen colleague.