Double-murder suspect to be arraigned

An arraignment hearing for the man accused of a double-murder south of Maricopa has been set for July 17.

Jose Ignacio Valenzuela Jr., 38, is set to appear before Superior Court Judge Dwight Callahan in Florence at 8:30 a.m. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Michael Careccia, 44, and Tina Careccia, 42.

Arraignments are a formal reading of the charges and an opportunity to enter a plea.

Valenzuela is incarcerated in the Pinal County jail on a $2 million bond.

According to Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Valenzuela admitted to killing the couple, apparently on June 21, and said he was high on meth at the time. He has also claimed both of the Careccias were on meth. PCSO is awaiting toxicology reports to verify Valenzuela’s statements.