Timothy Sullivan, 66, was sentenced to 31 years and six months in prison for the brutal 2020 murder of his former roommate, Amy “Ruby” Leagans, 49. Sullivan pleaded guilty in September to second-degree murder and concealing a body, following a crime that horrified the Phoenix community.
Leagans was reported missing on October 27, 2020. Court documents revealed that Sullivan, who was on probation for aggravated assault at the time, confessed to killing her after an argument in their shared apartment. Sullivan claimed he “snapped” due to a traumatic brain injury, choking Leagans to death.
Sullivan initially buried her body in the backyard but later exhumed it, dismembering the remains with an ax. He disposed of her body parts in various locations across Phoenix, including trash receptacles, the Salt River, and the desert.
Authorities recovered Leagans’ dismembered body on November 17, 2020. Her torso, found in the desert wrapped in a plastic bag and covered with mulch, showed signs of trauma. Other remains were found in the Salt River area.
In court, Leagans’ family described their anguish over her gruesome death. Her sister compared the dismemberment to “butchering a cow” and condemned Sullivan for treating her sister’s remains as “trash to be dumped in the Arizona desert.”
During the sentencing, Sullivan expressed remorse, stating, “I take full responsibility for my actions.” However, the court handed down a lengthy sentence, ensuring he will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
This case highlights the devastating impact of violent crime and the importance of justice for victims and their families.