KINGMAN — Trial Set for Bullhead City Man Charged with Stepfather’s Murder
A trial date has been set for John Ashley James, a 49-year-old Bullhead City man charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of his stepfather, Gabriel Paz Toledano, 65, in May 2021. James, currently held on a $1.5 million bond, is slated to face trial beginning May 6, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for March 28.
In the courtroom, James’ attorney, Emily Weiss, contended that the sole witness, the defendant’s mother, has recanted her statement. Additionally, Weiss argued that there was a lack of fingerprints or blood evidence linking James to the crime scene. Despite these assertions, Superior Court Judge Doug Camacho ruled that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with James’ trial.
The judge also requested the appointment of psychologists to testify at the trial. Dr. Mark Harvancik, nominated by the prosecutor, and Dr. Larry Schiff, nominated by James’ attorney, are set to provide expert insights.
James, initially deemed incompetent to stand trial, underwent evaluation and treatment at the Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix before being transferred to the restoration to competency program in Yavapai County.
The incident occurred on May 20, 2021, around 2 p.m., when Bullhead City police responded to a Seafair Drive home where James resided with his mother and stepfather. According to reports, an argument between James and his mother escalated, leading to James allegedly stabbing Toledano with a knife. Toledano succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and James’ mother remained unharmed. Following a brief manhunt, James was apprehended around 8:30 p.m.
James, known to have a history of mental illness, could face natural life in prison or life with the possibility of parole after 25 years if convicted of the murder charge.
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