Killer sentenced to life for 2017 Chandler murders

A 29-year-old man was given two consecutive life sentences this week for the 2017 murders of two people in Chandler.

Taron Lavelle Watkins also received 10.5 years for the attempted murder of a third victim, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

During the sentencing, various family members of both victims shared how their families were “devastated” by the killer’s action, according to an MCAO release.

“One victim's family shared that while they had suffered financially due to the incident, they didn’t want to take a single dollar in restitution from Watkins,” the release stated.

“The family of the third victim explained that while their son survived, the physical trauma from the shooting has been extensive and that their son faced a long journey toward recovery.”

The case dates back to Aug. 26, 2017, when Chandler police were called to investigate a report of a shooting near Elliot Road and Arizona Avenue. According to witnesses, the shooting happened inside a red sedan sitting in a parking lot. Watkins was a passenger in the car.

“Evidence and witness statements presented at trial proved Watkins was the shooter although no motive has been declared at this time. Another victim who survived his wounds called 911 for help. A 16-year-old female in the backseat also succumbed to her injuries,” an earlier MCAO release stated.

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