Phoenix man gets life sentence for killing, dismembering 79-year-old victim

PHOENIX — A man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing and dismembering an elderly victim in his Phoenix home years ago, authorities announced on Friday.

Thomas Samuel Wallace, 61, murdered Kenneth Maynard Peterson in the fall of 2022, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

The killing and desecration of the dead body took place in the victim’s home, prosecutors said.

Man who dismembered elderly victim in Phoenix sentenced to life in prison

The Phoenix Police Department became aware of the crime after receiving multiple requests to check up on Peterson over a one-month period.

Officers who entered Peterson’s home found his dismembered remains decomposing in hidden trash bags, prosecutors said.

Investigators linked Wallace to the murder by investigating surveillance footage, cellphone evidence and items sold at a pawn shop.

They also said Wallace had stolen multiple personal belongings, including Peterson’s truck, which he used in the weeks following the murder.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed disgust and disbelief at Wallace’s actions.

“It is astonishing to me that this defendant thought he could kill a man, drive his truck, and profit from his belongings yet still think he wouldn’t be caught,” Mitchell said in the announcement. “That will never be the case in Maricopa County, at least not on my watch.”

Man who killed, dismembered elderly victim in stolen truck at arrest

During the arrest, Wallace was driving his victim’s truck, prosecutors said.

Wallace was convicted of several charges, including one count of first-degree murder, two counts of trafficking in stolen property, one count of concealment of a dead body and one count of unlawful means of transportation.

“Law enforcement will catch you and my office will prosecute you,” Mitchell said. “It’s just that simple.”

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