Miguel Tapia, 21, of Maricopa, was arraigned Friday in Pinal County Superior Court on one count of second-degree murder and one count of tampering with physical evidence, according to a press release issued by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office.
Tapia pleaded not guilty, according to County Attorney spokesman Jim Knupp.
The probable cause statement prepared by the Maricopa Police Department states officers responded to a residence in the 44000 block of West Cydnee Drive in Maricopa on May 16 where they discovered the decedent, Holly Berry, 43, of Maricopa (see story).
“The Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Unit team responded to assist with processing the extensive scene,” according to the Maricopa Police Department as stated in the release.
“Tapia was indicted on May 28 by a Pinal County Grand Jury on one count of second-degree murder, a Class 1 Felony and tampering with physical evidence, a Class 6 Felony,” the release stated.
If convicted, a second-degree murder charge carries a sentencing range of 10 to 22 years in prison, according to the release.
![Tucson's Northwest Fire District crew members assist in firefighting efforts on the "Flying Bucket Fire" approximately 15 miles southwest of Maricopa on May 8, 2024. [Northwest Fire District]](https://www.inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GNEq06pbwAA6JlT-218x150.jpg "Wildfire cause confirmed, investigation underway: State")
![Tucson's Northwest Fire District crew members assist in firefighting efforts on the "Flying Bucket Fire" approximately 15 miles southwest of Maricopa on May 8, 2024. [Northwest Fire District]](https://www.inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/northwest-fire-district-050824-flying-bucket-fire-01-218x150.jpg "‘Flying Bucket Fire’ doubles size, causes $200K in damage")
![Tucson's Northwest Fire District crew members assist in firefighting efforts on the "Flying Bucket Fire" approximately 15 miles southwest of Maricopa on May 8, 2024. [Northwest Fire District]](https://www.inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GNEq06pbwAA6JlT-100x70.jpg "Wildfire cause confirmed, investigation underway: State")
