Grand jury nixes criminal case against attorney in fatal shooting of another motorist
A grand jury has declined to file criminal charges against an Arizona attorney who admittedly shot another motorist to death in a drugstore parking lot in 2011 and called 911 from the scene.
David Appleton, a Scottsdale practitioner, claimed self-defense, and a spokesman says the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office does not intend to pursue further charges unless new evidence comes to light, according to the Arizona Republic. A 3TV article on the azfamily.com website provides additional details.
Attorney Ed Novak represents Appleton. He tells 3TV his client has suffered, both emotionally and financially, after the November 2011 shooting of Paul Pearson, who also operated a business in Scottsdale. “His practice has deteriorated considerably because of the negative publicity,” Novak said of Appleton.”That’s not to say the Pearson family hasn’t suffered. We understand that and we feel for them.”
Attorney Patrick McGroder, who represents the family of Pearson, said his clients will consider a civil suit against Appleton.
Additional coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Friends Say Jailed Attorney Charged in Alleged Road-Rage Death Is ‘Gentle,’ Acted in Self-Defense”
ABAJournal.com: “2nd-Degree Murder Charge Dropped Against Lawyer in Pharmacy Parking Lot ‘Road Rage’ Incident”
Valley Fever (Phoenix New Times, Nov. 2011): “David Appleton–Scottsdale Defense Attorney Accused of Murdering Motorist–Has History of Road-Rage Incidents”
