Camp Verde teenager Moses Poza will stand trial in late April 2024 after sheriff officials said they shot and killed 62-year-old Keith McKinney last year for “trying to get along with his sister.” It is scheduled to be applied to
The 16-year-old was charged and charged as an adult, and Pozza pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in McKinney’s death.
Pozza appeared virtually in Yavapai County Superior Court on Monday, wearing a maroon collar shirt over a navy long-sleeved shirt, with a packed court schedule and his trial more than a year away. Postponed. The eight-day jury trial will begin at 8:30 am on April 30, 2024 and is expected to conclude by May 10.
He is scheduled to return to court on June 19 for a status hearing.
Poza was arrested after he confessed to killing McKinney in a remote corner of Camp Verde around November 28 and turned himself in for “trying to go with his sister,” according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. He then took detectives to a remote area off the Salt Mine Road, where they found the man’s body.
Poza said he contacted the victim known to his family after he said he learned of McKinney’s intentions with his sister, according to the sheriff’s office. They asked McKinney to pick him up under the guise of a hunting trip, the sheriff’s office said.
He reportedly ditched McKinney’s truck and one of his guns in the desert and took the rest home. The sheriff’s office said both the car and the gun were recovered.
Poza confessed to the killing after his family reportedly found a gun in his room on Christmas Day and asked about it.
Pozza was formally indicted on January 4 and charged with one count each.
- first degree murder
- theft of transportation
- minors with firearms
- criminal damage
- theft
His bond was confirmed the next day for $50,000.
Poza’s attorney and the victim’s attorney, who appeared on behalf of the McKinney family, were not immediately available for comment.
Contact reporter Lacey Latch in Northern Arizona. LLatch@gannett.com or on social media @laceylatch. Covers Northern Arizona azcentral.com In the Republic of Arizona, it is funded by the nonprofit Report for America and a grant from the Vitalyst Health Foundation Associated with the Republic of Arizona..
