Miguel Figueroa Sr. (PCSO photo)

The attorney for the Maricopa man accused of using a sword to kill his wife in 2016 said Monday his client is ready for trial.

Miguel Figueroa will stand trial May 8 in front of Pinal County Superior Court Judge Kevin White and a 12-person jury.

The state alleges Figueroa kidnapped and assaulted his son and wife, and then stabbed his wife Olivia to death in a desert field near Maricopa’s Heritage District in December 2016.

Defense attorney Mark Benson said the first-degree murder trial could last five to seven days.

Benson said his client had previously proposed to avoid trial by suggesting a lesser plea.

“Just for the record Mr. (Figueroa) did offer a plea to take class two murder and 25 years, but the state was not interested,” Benson said.

Figueroa also apparently underwent a psychological evaluation in recent months.

A report by Psychologist Carlos Vega in early February said Figueroa has a history with depression, suicidal thoughts, auditory hallucinations and substance use disorder, but “his cognitive and memory functioning are intact.”

Figueroa takes medication for depression, according to the report.

The report goes on to say “Miguel has a factual and rational understanding of the nature of the proceedings against him. He will be able to assist counsel in the preparation of his own defense and does not require further Rule 11 examination.”

March 12 was Figueroa’s first appearance since he reportedly refused to attend his court date last month.

In February, White had discussed possibly rescheduling Figueroa’s May trial date due to a full docket, but the judge affirmed the May date this week.

Figueroa’s next day in court will be April 30 at 2:30 p.m. for a status review hearing ahead of his trial.

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