Arizona Realtor Faces Decades Behind Bars for Allegedly Strangling Stepson

Arizona Realtor Faces Decades Behind Bars for Allegedly Strangling Stepson

The world of Arizona real estate has been rocked by a chilling case involving Ariana Anzerus, a realtor who stands accused of violently assaulting her stepson. While details remain scarce, the available information paints a grim picture, leaving legal experts and the community in shock.

Shocking Allegations Surface in Arizona Court

Ariana Anzerus, a realtor previously associated with Adams and Companies Real Estate, finds herself at the center of a disturbing legal battle. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office arrested Anzerus in late July 2024, following a grand jury indictment on four serious charges:

  • Child Abuse
  • Two counts of Aggravated Assault
  • Disorderly Conduct

While public information is limited, the indictment, coupled with insights from Arizona attorney Kurt Altman, sheds light on the gravity of the allegations.

Unraveling the Charges: A Deeper Look

The indictment, referring to the victim only as “DS” to protect their identity, alleges that on or around July 28, 2024, Anzerus caused physical harm to DS, a child under 15 years old. The charges suggest a disturbing pattern of abuse, potentially aggravated by the use of an instrument to restrict the child’s airway.

“The use of an instrument, even something like a pillow, elevates the severity of the charges significantly,” explains Altman. “Under Arizona law, such an object, when used in this manner, could be classified as a dangerous or deadly weapon, leading to substantial prison time if convicted.”

The Potential Impact of Aggravating Factors

Adding to the complexity of the case are the aggravating factors, particularly the alleged domestic violence context and classification as a dangerous crime against children. These factors, if proven, could result in severe penalties for Anzerus.

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“The dangerous crime against children statute significantly alters the sentencing guidelines in Arizona,” says Altman. “Instead of the usual 85% rule, convicted individuals face ‘flat time,’ meaning they serve every single day of their sentence.”

Analyzing the Evidence and Potential Defenses

The prosecution’s case appears to be strengthened by the reported audio and video evidence provided by the child’s biological mother. While the specific content remains undisclosed, such evidence could prove crucial in substantiating the allegations.

Despite the seemingly strong evidence, legal experts caution that child abuse cases can be challenging to prosecute. Defenses may focus on challenging the physical evidence or providing alternative explanations for the child’s injuries.

“Defense attorneys in such cases often seek expert opinions to cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative,” notes Altman. “They might argue that the injuries could have resulted from accidental means or pre-existing conditions.”

Plea Deal or Trial: Weighing the Options

With Anzerus currently out on a $25,000 bond, the question arises: will this case proceed to trial, or will a plea deal be reached? Both the prosecution and the defense have compelling reasons to consider a negotiated resolution.

“Plea deals are common in such emotionally charged cases,” says Altman. “For the defendant, it offers a chance to potentially reduce their sentence. For the prosecution, it can spare the victim the trauma of testifying and reliving the experience in court.”

The Long Road Ahead: Seeking Justice and Healing

As this case unfolds, the legal system faces the daunting task of uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the young victim. The outcome will undoubtedly have a profound impact on all parties involved, highlighting the devastating consequences of child abuse.

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