Arizona inmate’s sentence extended by 20 years after he tried to have witness killed

PHOENIX – An Arizona inmate who orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot from behind bars recently had his prison sentence extended by 20 years, authorities said.

Levi Jones, 36, was awaiting trial in a murder case when he tried to have a witness against him killed in 2017, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.

YCSO said Jones offered to cancel another inmate’s prison debt in exchange for the murder of a witness. He also encouraged another inmate to intimidate witnesses in an effort to get them to change their testimony.

The plot fell apart when detectives uncovered communications detailing his plans, YCSO said. The initial case ended in 2022 with a jury finding Jones guilty of second-degree murder and disorderly conduct with a deadly weapon, according to court records.

He was then prosecuted for the crimes he committed while in custody. Earlier this month, he pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, influencing a witness and taking contraband into a correctional facility.

According to prison records, Jones’ projected release date is January 2060.

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