Prosecutors to seek the death penalty in murder of the Phoenix police officer

Phoenix (azfamily) – Prosecutors are intended to seek the death penalty against a man accused of shooting two Phoenix police last year, one of whom died.

The Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office presented the notice last week against Saul Bal, 41, who remains jailed by murders and other charges for serious crimes in relation to the death of the officer Zane Coolidge at the end of last summer.

Around 6:30 pm of September 3, 2024, Coolidge was one of the two officers that responded to reports of a car going close 16th Street and McDowell Road. Police said the officers arrived in the area and that the suspect, later identified as Bal, escaped and jumped a fence.

When the officers began to persecute him, said the chief of interim police of Phoenix, Michael Sullivan They were “found with shots.” Both officers were shot.

Officers Coolidge and Matthew Haney were taken to Banner University Medical Center, located just blocks from the scene. Meanwhile, other officers arrived in the area and arrested Bal.

Haney was discharged from the hospital, but Coolidge suffered more serious injuries and He died three days after the shooting.

A Maricopa County Great jury accused of Bal For first -degree murder, attempted first -degree murder, aggravated assault, theft in the first degree and misconduct that involves weapons. Bal lawyer Entered a suplic without guas In his name during a position reading audience last October.

Judicial records show that last Thursday, prosecutors presented a notice of intention to seek the death penalty.

Bal is stopped with a $ 2 million bonus. He will return in court next month, and his trial is tentatively scheduled for August 12.

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