Maricopa County Sheriff Office Yacoub Armando Aranda is charged with murder. Investigators say he killed his husband with a hammer.
Yacoub Armando Aranda is accused of beating his husband to death with a hammer. The violent confrontation happened over the weekend in Phoenix. Aranda was arrested Sunday, August 12. Friends of the couple told police that the victim, identified as 22-year-old Andrew Aranda, had wanted a divorce.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Aranda Is Facing a Charge of First-Degree Murder
Maricopa County Sheriff OfficeYacoub Armando Aranda is facing a charge of first-degree murder.
Yacoub Armando Aranda was booked into the Lower Buckeye Jail in Phoenix. According to inmate information provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Aranda was arrested on Sunday, August 12 just after noon. He is facing a charge of first-degree murder. Bond was set at $250,000.
24-year-old Aranda is due back in court next week. He is scheduled to appear at the Regional Court Center at 8:30 a.m. local time on Monday, August 20. Aranda has not yet entered a plea. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.
2. Police Reported That the Walls, Bed and Floor Were Covered in Blood at the Crime Scene
Police allege a Phoenix man killed his spouse after the man had asked for a divorce. t.co/PCJtrhWzfM
Aranda and his husband Andrew lived with other roommates. These friends called police to report a possible drug overdose.
When officers arrived at the home, Aranda would not open the bedroom door, according to AZCentral.com. The door was forced open. Inside the bedroom, police reported that that the walls, floor and bed were covered in blood.
The victim was laying on the bed. Police said the victim was already dead and had suffered obvious head injuries. Aranda also reportedly had severe cuts on his left arm.
3. Yacoub Aranda Was Rushed to the Hospital After Police Noticed He Had Deep Lacerations on His Arm
PD: #Phoenix man beaten with hammer by jealous husband: t.co/V1Sk7dUthy #abc15
Yacoub Armando Aranda had deep cuts on his left arm, police records show. He was taken to the hospital. Citing court records, Phoenix ABC affiliate KNXV-TV reports that Aranda told doctors that he had also swallowed more than 20 prescription pills.
Aranda also reportedly told police that he did not remember what had happened. In an interview with police, he acknowledged hurting his husband. But he did not reportedly recall using the hammer.
This all happened Saturday, August 11. Aranda was kept in the hospital overnight and arrested the next day.
4. Witnesses Told Police Aranda Was Often Jealous of His Husband and Was Upset About His Partner’s Desire for a Divorce
According to sources, Andrew Aranda reportedly told Yacoub he wanted a divorce just a few days before the murder. Local news outlets cited court records that stated the victim had told Yacoub he planned to move out of their home.
Witnesses also told police that Yacoub often displayed extremely jealous behavior. He allegedly had a habit of stalking his husband. Yacoub reportedly accused Andrew of cheating on multiple occasions, according to court records.
5. Aranda Does Not Appear to Have a Prior Criminal History
Yacoub Aranda goes by the first name “Jake” on Facebook. His public profile includes photos of him and Andrew showcasing their wedding rings. The two got engaged in 2016. His cover photo includes the quote, “Wake up everyday with the thought that something wonderful is about to happen.”
An online search for Arizona’s judicial system did not include the name Yacoub Armando Aranda, indicating he does not have a prior criminal record.
A first-degree murder charge in Arizona carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted. The death penalty may also be imposed depending on the crime. Prosecutors must prove premeditated intent in order to convict first-degree murder.