Man charged with murder, animal abuse after East Valley hotel shooting

PHOENIX – A man who allegedly fired the shots that killed a woman and injured a dog at an East Valley hotel has been formally charged, authorities announced Thursday.

A Maricopa County grand jury indicted J John Alderman on counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and animal cruelty on Aug. 15.

Alderman was staying at a hotel near Country Club Drive and Guadalupe Road in Gilbert when the shooting occurred on Aug. 12, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

What happened at East Valley hotel?

Prosecutors said Alderman fired shots into an SUV that pulled into a parking space outside his room.

The gunfire killed Jessica Brewer and wounded her dog. Jessica’s husband Rodney, who was driving the SUV, was not injured.

According to ABC15, Alderman and the Brewers were living at the InTown Suites Extended Stay hotel and had been feuding before the fatal shooting.

The suspect barricaded himself inside his room before surrendering to police, the TV station reported.

Alderman’s trial is scheduled to begin in April 2026.

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