Maricopa County prosecutors in Phoenix, have announced that they are now seeking the death penalty for a suspect accused of a double murder.
In January 2024, a case that went unnoticed at the time has recently come to light, revealing the identities of the victims and shedding light on the events that took place.
Anna Marie Chavez, 44, and Anthony Tate, 49, were discovered fatally shot on January 5, 2024, in the vicinity of Encanto Boulevard and 39th Avenue.
According to a family member, Thomas and Chavez had been married for a considerable period of time.
Thomas faced stalking charges in both August and September of 2023. The September charge specifically mentioned a reasonable fear of death, which might have played a role in his premeditation for the double murder.
Thomas was located in Atlanta the day after the murders and was then brought back to Arizona to face charges of first-degree murder.
Chavez had been employed at the Mesa municipal court for seven years, as stated by the City of Mesa. In order to assist other victims of domestic violence, her daughter expressed her mother’s desire to share her story.
Tate’s life before his passing was marked by his dedication as a cardiovascular technician in the Valley, as revealed in an online obituary from his family. Additionally, he was a loving father who prioritized his role in his children’s lives.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has recently filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty on Christmas Eve.
During the penalty phase, the County intends to present additional evidence pertaining to Chavez’s murder. This will include testimony from the medical examiner, who will provide insights based on the autopsy and crime scene photos.
We have reached out to the family members of both victims in order to gain insight into their lives and experiences. Unfortunately, we have yet to receive a response from the majority of them.
Thomas is scheduled to stand trial for murder in July.