Phoenix has been shaken by a family tragedy, as 49-year-old Christopher Arthur Eaves appeared in court on charges of murdering his own brother, prominent attorney James Arthur "Artie" Eaves. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Christopher was vocal during his initial court appearance, arguing about his Miranda rights and the judge's no-contact order. "The next of kin of the victim, the mother and father. They're my mother and father. That is the address of my driver's license. And that is where I've lived for a very long time," Christopher stated, before being reminded by the judge that the courtroom was not a place for debate.
The shooting occurred on Friday in the Arcadia neighborhood where 51-year-old James Eaves was found shot outside his home. The incident was captured on a neighbor's security camera, hearing, gunshots and a cry for help. James Eaves, a well-respected attorney at Sanders & Parks and former prosecutor for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, was pronounced dead at the scene. "The defendant went over to the victim's house early yesterday morning and shot the victim, fired multiple shots. He returned to his house with his parents, and Phoenix Police found multiple loaded weapons in the defendant's car," prosecutors said at the court hearing.
As the community struggles to understand the circumstances that led to this domestic incident, 12 News reports expressions of grief and shock. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said, "Artie Eaves was a dear friend and colleague to so many of us at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Today's tragedy has not yet sunk in but one thing is for certain: Artie will be deeply missed." The law firm where Artie worked for nearly 22 years, Sanders & Parks, extended its deepest condolences, describing him as a "beloved colleague" and a "tremendously skilled attorney."
Christopher Eaves is charged with first-degree murder and, following his court appearance, was ordered a $1.5 million bond. He has also been instructed not to contact the victim's family and will be required to wear an ankle monitor if he posts bond. Amidst this family crisis, the father of the brothers, Clark Eaves refused to comment to the media when approached at his home in Scottsdale. "We are not going to talk," he somberly told the FOX 10 reporter.
