Victim in deadly shooting identified as prominent Phoenix attorney, brother arrested
Prominent Phoenix lawyer shot and killed
Police identify a well-connected Phoenix lawyer who was shot and killed in Phoenix and announced the arrest of his brother in the shooting. FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas has the latest.
PHOENIX - A prominent Phoenix attorney who worked with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office under two regimes was the victim of a deadly shooting on the morning of March 21.
What we know:
Per a brief statement, the incident happened in a residential neighborhood near 44th Street and Camelback Road. Officers responded to the area at around 8:00 a.m. on March 21 for a shots fired call.
"When officers arrived, they located an adult male, identified as 51-year-old James Arthur Eaves, in the driveway of his home with at least one gunshot wound. James did not survive his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.," read a portion of the brief statement.
Sanders and Parks Attorneys at Law confirmed in a statement to FOX 10 Phoenix that Eaves was an attorney at the firm.
We have learned that one person has been detained in connection with the incident.
The person was identified as 49-year-old Christopher Arthur Eaves, James' brother.
"As this investigation was progressing, Christopher showed up to the scene with other family members, at which time he was arrested for the murder," a portion of the statement read.
Christopher Arthur Eaves at his initial court appearance.
Christopher Eaves is being booked on multiple charges.
His bond was listed at $1.5 million, according to court documents.
What we don't know:
Police are investigating the motive for the homicide. Christopher refused to answer any questions by the police upon his arrest.
Additional details were withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
What they're saying:
Neighbors in the area say they have never seen anything like it.
"It's strange to have this happen in a neighborhood like this," said one neighbor, Ari Levenbaum.
"I've lived here for a long time and we've never had anything like that happen," said another named Rudy.
One of the neighbors is Shelby Miller, a former pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
"I saw a helicopter circling over the top of the neighborhood and we get that often with Camelback Mountain, but nothing like this," he said.
Local perspective:
Eaves previously worked as a prosecutor at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, where he met attorney Ben Taylor.
"He was a respected attorney in the community," Taylor said.
"This is a very tragic event. Anytime you lose one of your fellow attorneys, it hits home and it's heartbreaking to hear the news."
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office issued a statement on the passing of Eaves saying he was "a dear friend and colleague."
What's next:
Police say officers are working to ensure that homes in the area are safe.
"Once this process is complete, the area will continue to be shut down as the scene investigation will begin," read a portion of the statement.