Tyler Moldovan: Man sentenced to two life terms in shooting of Phoenix police officer

PHOENIX - The man convicted of shooting a Phoenix police officer eight times was handed to two life sentences on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Essa Williams was found guilty of attempted homicide and aggravated assault back in August. The life sentences include the possibility of parole after 25 years.

The Shooting of Tyler Moldovan:

In December 2021, Moldovan and his partner, Zach Johnson, responded to a call about a car doing donuts near 19th Avenue and Camelback Road. The two were searching in a nearby apartment complex when Moldovan was shot eight times, including once in the head.

Moldovan, who was 22 years old at the time, had only been on the force for nine months at the time. He survived but sustained serious injuries.

Moldovan has made a few public appearances in the years since the shooting, including throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Arizona Diamondbacks home opener in 2023, and again during the World Series at Chase Field later that year.

An emotional sentencing:

This was a very emotional sentencing, with several family members and police officers speaking out about the ways this shooting forever altered their lives.

All the victim impact statements focused on the physical and mental toll felt over the past five years, as Moldovan has undergone dozens of operations and more than half a dozen rehab programs. Moldovan did use a walker in court.

Moldovan’s parents, along with the parents of his wife Chelsea, spoke about the toll the shooting took on the young couple’s new marriage, with Chelsea taking on the role of nurse and caretaker as well as wife.

Moldovan’s mother did express forgiveness toward Williams, but the overall message was that the consequences needed to match the actions that nearly took Moldovan’s life.

During these statements, Williams shook his head and grinned several times.

What they're saying:

Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) President Darrell Kriplean released the following statement regarding Williams' sentence.

"Today, justice was finally served for Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan and his family. The coward who viciously shot Officer Moldovan leaving him fighting for his life, will no longer be able to terrorize our community and inflict harm to others.

Officer Moldovan went to work that night in 2021 to do the same thing Phoenix police officers do every day, to protect people he had never met, knowing there was always a chance he might be called upon to put himself in harm’s way.  His life was forever changed. His family's life was forever changed. Tyler and his wife, Chelsea, have had to build a life around injuries that were inflicted upon him in a matter of seconds.

Every officer understands the potential danger when they put on the uniform. But accepting the risks of this job does not make an officer's life worth less. It does not make violence against an officer something society should simply accept as part of the profession.

When someone attempts to murder a police officer for doing his or her job, the consequences should reflect the seriousness of that act. This sentence sends an important message: attempting to murder an officer who is protecting this community carries the most serious consequences our justice system allows.

Through everything that has happened, Tyler continues to represent what is best about this profession. His strength and determination to keep moving forward have inspired officers throughout Phoenix and far beyond our city."

Map of where Moldovan was shot:

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