Suspect pleads guilty in 2021 murder of Maricopa County Sheriff's deputy
AVONDALE, Ariz. - A man made a deal with prosecutors to avoid the death penalty for the murder of a Maricopa County deputy.
Clinton Robert Hurley entered a guilty plea to 16 counts, including first degree murder, armed robbery, and theft in the killing of MCSO Deputy Juan Ruiz.
In October 2021, Hurley was being processed on felony warrants when he attacked Ruiz. Hurley then escaped custody, stole the deputy's car, and later carjacked another vehicle.
Ruiz died from his injuries two days later. Hurley will be sentenced in February 2025. For the murder charge, he faces up to life in prison.
Background on Ruiz's murder case
Former Sheriff Paul Penzone said during a news conference on Oct. 11 that the incident began during the early-morning hours of Oct. 9 when deputies responded to reports of a suspicious person. Deputies were unable to locate the suspect, identified as Hurley.
A short time after, deputies later found Hurley and took him into custody.
Deputy Ruiz transported Hurley to an MCSO substation in Avondale near Van Buren and Dysart Roads, brought him into the holding area, and "as is standard processing protocol, he removed his handcuffs and attempted to put him in one of the holding cells," Penzone said. "It was at that time that he was initially passive resistant and turned on the deputy and the fight ensued.
During the fight, Deputy Ruiz tried to call for backup on his radio, but he was beaten unconscious by Hurley, Penzone added.
MCSO Deputy Juan Miguel Ruiz (file)
Deputy Ruiz was found by another deputy, and he was rushed to the hospital where he was placed on life support, surrounded by loved ones. Sheriff Penzone said Deputy Ruiz never regained consciousness and his organs were donated after his passing. He was a three-year veteran of the department.
Following the assault on Deputy Ruiz, MCSO said Hurley stole his police SUV, fled the scene and then carjacked another person.
Hurley was found hours later after being involved in a shootout with a homeowner in Tonopah when he was struck by a bullet. The homeowner was someone he knew, and they reportedly had a history of conflict.
He was hospitalized in stable condition, according to Sheriff Penzone. He had been released from the Dept. of Corrections last December and had been in custody for sexual offenses against children.
Hurley was later released from the hospital and sent to the Pinal County Adult Detention Center.
About seven months later, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced on May 4 that it intended to seek the death penalty.
"Seeking the death penalty is the most serious decision entrusted to the County Attorney," said interim County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. "On Oct. 9, 2021, Deputy Juan Ruiz was simply doing his job and he paid the ultimate price trying to keep our community safe. This office will seek justice for Deputy Ruiz and his family."