Phoenix (Az Family) – The man spends the rest of his life in jail for killing a Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputy a few years ago.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that Clinton Hurley, 35, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Juan Johnny Lewis’ Deputy Bureau.
On October 9, 2021, Harley was arrested on multiple felony warrants and taken to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office substation in Avondale. At the station, Lewis uncuffs Harley’s handcuffs and puts him in the cell.
However, Harley then attacked the deputy who was caught up in a body cam video. During the struggle, prosecutors say Harley hit Lewis several times with the “dull end” of medical shear, and repeatedly punched Lewis while lying on the floor.
After a brutal attack, Harley stole a secondary key, a patrol vehicle and a handgun inside the car. He tried to carjack the truck before stealing the car from others.
Harley was running temporarily, but was captured at Tonopah later that night. Investigators say he was shot by the homeowner after he shot a family member outside his home.
Deputy Lewis passed away in the hospital a few days later.
Former Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone previously told the Arizona family that Lewis had been in the department for three years. Penzone shared that Lewis changed his career at the age of 42 because he wanted to serve the community.
Lewis’ friend Alex Puckett said Lewis is an insurance agent but had a lifelong dream of becoming an executive.
During Harley’s sentencing, Lewis’ brothers shared how proud he was when his brother became representatives.
“We can’t take him with us [Ruiz] Back… So I hope this puts an end to our grief,” said the brother of Deputy Lewis.
Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan was among those present in the sentence.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Maricopa County Lawyer’s Office for my unwavering dedication as I bring this case closer,” Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sheriff Juan Lewis’ Deputy Bureau during this difficult time. I hope they find some peace knowing they are always part of the family in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office.”
Harley pleaded guilty to 16 counts of charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery and theft.
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