Phoenix Man Sentenced to Life for Robbery Spree That Culminated In the Killing of a Retired Police Officer

U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Arizona
2 May 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOENIX – On May 1, 2017, John Albert Campos, Sr., 49, of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to six consecutive natural life sentences with no possibility of parole. Campos had previously pleaded guilty to carjacking resulting in death, use of firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death, and various other counts of carjacking, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and Hobbs Act robbery.

“The defendant was appropriately sentenced to life in prison for his senseless crimes, which resulted in the death of an innocent victim who had the terrible misfortune to be in the wrong place at the wrong time,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange.

"Campos’ actions have had a devastating, life-long impact on the victim’s family. The FBI will continue to work with our partner agencies to pursue justice for all victims. This sentence was the result of outstanding efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Phoenix Police Department, the Tempe Police Department, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the Gila River Police Department." said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Deleon.

On Dec. 24, 2015, Campos carjacked three victims in the parking lot of the Wild Horse Pass Casino on the Gila River Indian Community. Campos shot and killed one of the victims, a retired California police officer. When a fourth man arrived at the scene and attempted to assist the other victims, Campos proceeded to carjack him while brandishing a firearm. The investigation revealed that Campos also committed six armed robberies of convenience stores, grocery stores, and restaurants in Phoenix and Tempe in the two days before the carjackings.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gila River Police Department, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Tempe Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Dimitra H. Sampson and Keith E. Vercauteren, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR-16-00011-PHX-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-039_Campos

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