Man pleads guilty in 2020 Christmas Day murder of Circle K employee

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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.

Crime and Public SafetyPhoenixNews