PHOENIX, AZ – A high-profile attorney, James ‘Artie’ Eaves, was shot and killed outside his Phoenix home on March 21, and his brother, Christopher Eaves, 49, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the crime.
Crime Scene Evidence and Arrest
Authorities found James Eaves, 51, face-down in his driveway around 8 a.m. after neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots. Officers discovered:
Five shell casings in the driveway and one inside the home
Damage to James’ garage and a broken patio door
Surveillance footage showing a BMW backing into the garage before the shooting
A witness saw a white BMW SUV fleeing the scene, which was traced back to Christopher Eaves.
Brother Linked to the Crime
During a search of Christopher’s home, police found:
A .40-caliber firearm matching shell casings from the crime scene
A hoodie identical to the one worn by the suspect on surveillance video
Christopher was detained at the crime scene when he arrived with his parents. His parents informed police that their son struggles with mental illness, though no official diagnosis was confirmed.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Christopher Eaves was charged with first-degree murder and burglary. If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty. His cash bond was set at $1.5 million.
During his initial court appearance on March 24, Christopher claimed he was never read his Miranda rights, but the judge dismissed this as irrelevant to the case.
He has been ordered to have no contact with his parents, as they are James Eaves’ next of kin.
