News Summary
Two defendants have been convicted for their roles in a brutal double murder that took place nearly two decades ago in South Phoenix. The victims, Clarissa Saunders and Rahmon Brown, were killed during a robbery in 2006. After years of investigation, new evidence led to the arrests of Johnny Maxwell and Johnny Herron in 2024. Maxwell received a 19-year prison sentence for manslaughter, while Herron was sentenced to three years of probation for lesser charges. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address violent crime in the community.
Phoenix – Two defendants, Johnny Maxwell and Johnny Herron, have been convicted for their involvement in a double murder that occurred in South Phoenix nearly two decades ago. The brutal killings of Clarissa Saunders, 33, and Rahmon Brown, 27, took place on August 13, 2006, during a robbery at a residence near 24th Street and Roeser Road.
The case, which had remained unsolved for years, saw a breakthrough when Phoenix police arrested Maxwell and Herron in 2024, following a prolonged investigation into the tragic incident. This development has brought some level of closure to the families of the victims, who have endured a lengthy wait for justice.
Maxwell has been sentenced to 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of manslaughter. He is expected to be eligible for release in May 2040. In contrast, Herron pleaded guilty to lesser charges, specifically criminal trespassing and prohibited possession of a weapon, and has been sentenced to three years of supervised probation.
Details of the Incident
On the night of the murders, witnesses reported that two armed robbers entered the home of Saunders and Brown, where a violent confrontation ensued. The details surrounding the incident remain harrowing, as both victims were shot to death inside their home. Following the shooting, the case went cold, and investigators were unable to identify any suspects for several years.
Breakthrough in the Investigation
It was not until 2024 that new evidence and renewed investigative efforts led to the arrests of Maxwell and Herron. The Phoenix Police Department stated that advancements in forensic technology and persistent follow-ups on leads played a significant role in resolving this cold case. The commitment of law enforcement to solving such cases has been underscored, emphasizing their ongoing dedication to bring justice to victims and their families.
Additional Context
The double murder case of Saunders and Brown serves as a reminder of the broader issue of violent crime and the impact it has on communities. Law enforcement agencies often face challenges with unsolved cases, and the prolonged duration between the crime and resolution can significantly affect the families involved. This conviction also echoes other recent cases in the area, where perpetrators of violent crimes have faced justice. For instance, a man was recently sentenced for killing his pregnant girlfriend in Mesa, while another received a sentence for the 2018 murder of an Arizona trooper.
The revelations surrounding this double murder case not only illuminate the complexities involved in solving such cases but also highlight the importance of community safety and the role of law enforcement in reinforcing that safety. With these convictions, there is a hope that victims’ families can find some semblance of peace knowing that justice has been served after many years of waiting.
As the judicial process continues to work towards addressing violent crimes in Phoenix, the community remains engaged and vigilant, looking to support families affected by similar tragic incidents while advocating for effective law enforcement strategies to prevent future occurrences.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: First Officer on Scene Takes Stand in Glendale Double Murder Trial
- Wikipedia: Double Homicide
- ABC15: Murders on St. John Road – The Double Homicide of William and Barbara Singer
- Google Search: Double Murder Cases in Phoenix
- CBS News: Zombie Hunter Bryan Patrick Miller Captured
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- AZ Central: Phoenix Man Accused of Killing Mother and 7 Others Faces Trial
- Google News: Violent Crime in Phoenix
- Court TV: AZ v. Kimberly Lacount – Wife and Lover Double Murder Trial
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
