Man pleads guilty in 2020 Christmas Day murder of Circle K employee
2nd-degree murder plea reached in 2020 Christmas killing
Timothy Bell, 35, reached a plea deal this week for the 2020 Christmas Day killing of 18-year-old Tyler Cardiel. Bell pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, robbery and weapons misconduct, avoiding a potential death penalty.
PHOENIX - A man charged in a 2020 Christmas Day killing in Phoenix has taken a plea deal.
What we know:
On Christmas Day 2020, 18-year-old Tyler Cardiel was walking home from an overnight shift at Circle K when he was shot and killed near 83rd Avenue and Indian School Road.
Police said Bell, who was homeless, used a handgun he had stolen days before the shooting. Last March, Bell was deemed competent to stand trial following a mental evaluation.
Court filings confirm Timothy Bell, 35, pleaded guilty this week to second-degree murder, robbery and weapons misconduct.
The state had previously been seeking the death penalty.
Tyler Cardiel (left) Timothy Bell (right)
What's next:
Bell’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 27.
Waiting for justice: Man accused of killing a teen on Christmas deemed competent to stand trial
On March 7, 2024, suspect Timothy Bell was found competent to stand trial in the death of an 18-year-old who was gunned down on Christmas 2020. He faces the death penalty if he's found guilty of first-degree murder.