Welcome to Courthouse Update, a weekly rundown of goings-on at the Maricopa County Superior Court.
This week, former Phoenix cop Richard Chrisman pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a teacher got probation in a student-sex case, and more:
- Richard Chrisman pleads guilty to manslaughter
Former Phoenix cop Richard Chrisman pleaded guilty to manslaughter instead of going to trial again on a murder charge. Chrisman was found guilty of aggravated assault in the 2010 death of Phoenix resident Daniel Rodriguez, but a jury couldn't decide on second-degree murder or lesser charges. Chrisman responded to a 911 call from Rodriguez's mother, who asked that police remove her son from the trailer where they lived together. Another officer told investigators that Chrisman ended up shooting Rodriguez and his dog -- killing them both -- for no apparent reason.
See also: Richard Chrisman Report Released by Phoenix Police Department
Next page: Former band teacher gets probation in student-sex case
- Ex-teacher gets probation in student-sex case
Andrew Islas, a former Tempe High School assistant band director, was sentenced to 10 years of probation for having sex with a student. The 16-year-old girl said the relationship started in 2011 when she was 15, and they had sex in a public park. Islas also sent pictures of his penis to the girl, according to court documents.
See also: Tempe High School Assistant Band Teacher, Busted Sexting/Sexing Student
Next page: Business owner pleads guilty in plot to kill wife
- Business owner pleads guilty in plot against wife
Fred Knadler, the owner of Phoenix-based Arizona Shower Door, pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping in a case in which Knadler's accused of a plot to kill his wife of 17 years. Knadler asked an employee to do the deed, but that employee recorded the conversation and passed it on to police. Knadler's since been arrested again, this time for another alleged plot to hire someone to kill his wife, this one orchestrated from behind bars.
See also: Fred Knadler, Valley Businessman, Arrested in Plot to Kill Estranged Wife
Next page: Tilted Kilt murder suspect enters plea
- Tilted Kilt murder suspect's court date delayed
(No mugshot available.)
Javier Romero, the man accused of stabbing a co-worker to death at the Phoenix Tilted Kilt restaurant last month, saw his court date delayed this week. He was due for an arraignment. It's been continued to Thursday, December 19.
See also: Phoenix Tilted Kilt Employee Killed at Work
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