In the predawn hours of May 25, 2002, an intruder entered a Phoenix apartment and opened fire on a sleeping couple. Adan Soto, 42, was killed; his wife Enriqueta was critically wounded but survived, and their baby, who was in the bed with them, was not harmed. The attack followed an earlier burglary at the Sotos’ apartment and was carried out to prevent Adan and Enriqueta from testifying against suspects in that burglary.

Recorded jailhouse phone calls show that Paul Bradley Speer and members of his family discussed persuading the Sotos not to testify, then escalated the plan to murder. The calls include detailed talk of acquiring weapons and making a silencer, and, after the shooting, Womble allegedly confirmed he had carried out the act while Speer urged disposal of the guns. Brian Womble was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy; Speer was charged for orchestrating the crime from jail.

Did anyone in Phoenix know the Sotos or have information about the burglary and the lead-up to that night?