Sword murder will not be capital case

By Michelle Chance

The Maricopa man accused of killing his wife with a sword in December will not face the death penalty.

According to court documents, state prosecutors have until May 5 to file a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Miguel Figueroa Sr.

However, Pinal County Attorney’s Office spokesman James Tanner said the state is not pursuing a capital case, and could not provide an explanation behind its decision because the case is still ongoing.

Inside a county courtroom Monday, 45-year-old Figueroa stood clothed in a jumpsuit and shackles alongside defense attorney Paula Cook.

Judge Kevin White approved Cook’s request to extend the date of a future hearing, which will determine Figueroa’s trial date.

Cook said she could not comment on the details of the case.

In December, Maricopa Police arrested Figueroa after he allegedly used a sword to kill his wife Olivia. That night, police found the victim’s body with multiple stab wounds in a desert area near the Heritage District.

Figueroa was later indicted by a grand jury on four felonies, including first-degree murder, kidnapping and two counts of aggravated assault.

Figueroa’s trial date will be decided in court on June 12 at 9 a.m.