Payson, Arizona

From the Payson Roundup of July 22, 2005

Warning shot turns deadly

A Tonto Basin man was pronounced dead at his employer's home early Monday morning after what detectives are calling a justifiable shooting.

Gila County Sheriff's deputies found Edward A. Palmer, 39, dead at the scene, after they received a 911 call at 1:24 a.m. from the home of John Valdez in Tonto Basin.

Neighbors reported that Palmer was working for Valdez. Detectives are still investigating the details of the case.

"Apparently Edward Palmer was under the influence of alcohol and other unknown substances," said Detective Brian Havey of the Gila County Sheriff's Office. "(Palmer) attacked John Valdez of Tonto Basin in his own residence."

Detectives believe Valdez acted in self-defense against Palmer, who had a history of violent behavior, criminal convictions and had served time in jail.

"Palmer attacked Valdez several times with his bare fists," Havey said. "He continued to attack three or four times."

After being assaulted by Palmer, Valdez armed himself with a .22-caliber rifle. Detectives said Valdez was concerned because Palmer carries a knife.

"Valdez pointed his .22 rifle low in order to scare Palmer off from further attacks," Havey said. "One round was fired from the rifle, striking Palmer on the femoral artery."

Emergency medical crews were called to the scene, but were not able to enter the residence until law enforcement could arrive.

"Ambulance crews and fire department personnel will not go into that kind of a dangerous environment, especially when a shot has been fired and someone has gone down by a gunshot wound," Havey said. "Unfortunately, Mr. Palmer bled out before anybody got on scene."
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"I don't believe there will be any charges against Mr. Valdez," Havey said. "It turned out to be a justifiable shooting."