PHX Reporter

Thomas Samuel Wallace has been sentenced to natural life in prison for the murder of Kenneth Maynard Peterson, a 79-year-old man. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell made the announcement regarding the case, which originated from a call for welfare checks in the fall of 2022.

Peterson's remains were found dismembered and hidden in trash bags at his residence. The investigation showed that Wallace had been illegally using Peterson’s truck and belongings for his benefit. He was apprehended while driving the truck.

Evidence against Wallace included items sold at a pawn shop and surveillance video, along with digital forensic evidence from cell phones. Wallace has been convicted on several charges, including First-Degree Murder, Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation, Trafficking in Stolen Property, and Abandonment or Concealment of a Dead Body.

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated, "It is astonishing to me that this defendant thought he could kill a man, drive his truck, and profit from his belongings yet still think he wouldn’t be caught. That will never be the case in Maricopa County, at least not on my watch. Law enforcement will catch you and my office will prosecute you. It’s just that simple."