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Officer Shot 8 Times, Assailant Found Guilty
14 Aug
Summary
- Phoenix officer was shot eight times by Essa Williams.
- Officer Tyler Moldovan sustained life-threatening injuries.
- Williams was convicted of attempted murder and aggravated assault.
A Maricopa County jury has convicted Essa Williams on all counts related to the 2021 shooting of Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan. Officer Moldovan was shot eight times during an encounter near 19th Avenue and Camelback Road in December 2021.
The evidence presented to the jury included body-camera footage showing Officer Moldovan approaching Williams and subsequently being fired upon. Williams discharged 15 rounds, with bullets striking Officer Moldovan from his head to his shins, including a critical injury to his brain stem.
Officer Moldovan spent months in the hospital recovering from his severe injuries. He testified that the shooting resulted in memory loss and difficulties with movement and speech, with his first recollection post-shooting being waking up in the hospital in March 2022.
During the trial, Williams' defense did not dispute that he fired the shots. Their argument focused on self-defense and questioned whether Williams recognized Moldovan as a police officer. The jury's guilty verdict has now been rendered, with an upcoming aggravation phase to determine sentencing.
