State v. Fell

OPINION

ESPINOSA, J.

¶ 1 A jury found real party in interest Edward John Sanders guilty of sexual assault, sexual abuse, kidnapping, second-degree burglary, and first-degree murder. Because petitioner State of Arizona had withdrawn its previously filed notice of intent to seek the death penalty, the remaining sentencing options were a natural life prison term or a life term with the possibility of parole after twenty-five years. See A.R.S. § 13-703(A). Before the sentencing hearing, the respondent judge held two status conferences and entered orders that resulted in the filing of this petition…