ARIZONA NEWS

Man found guilty of second-degree murder of girlfriend in Phoenix

Mar 28, 2024, 2:00 PM

. (Pexels Photo)...

. (Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX — A man was found guilty of murder over three years after the death of his girlfriend in Phoenix, authorities announced Thursday.

Cecil Noyola, 63, was convicted of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence last week after 39-year-old Jessica Kennedy was found dead in her apartment on Jan 5, 2021, following a welfare check call, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Kennedy had a gunshot wound to her head. No weapon was recovered from the scene.

Police tried to locate Noyola, but they learned he had fled the state after the shooting.

He eventually turned himself into police the same month the fatal shooting occurred.

After his arrest, Noyola told police he gave the murder weapon to a friend. The gun was later retrieved and the friend was arrested.

“I hope Jessica knows we worked hard over the last three years to get justice for her,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a press release.

“To her family and loved ones, I hope this is the start of their journey towards healing.”

Noyola’s sentencing is scheduled for May 20.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

4 hours ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

5 hours ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

13 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

13 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

14 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

Man found guilty of second-degree murder of girlfriend in Phoenix