PHOENIX -Questions are being raised about how the suspect arrested in a string of murders, Dwight Jones, had firearms in his possession even with a prior arrest on his record.
Scottsdale investigators are working to piece together answers in the killing spree. However, we’re learning that Dwight Jones' prior criminal history did not prevent him from legally buying weapons.
We spoke to local gun safety expert Mike Simon about some of the rules and regulations when it comes to crimes and concealed weapons.
“Arizona law, when it comes to purchasing a firearm, is much more fluid than other states out there,” Simon said.
Simon is a Valley gun safety specialist and retired Marine. He tells 12 News the loose laws in Arizona don't limit legal gun ownership in certain cases, like with Dwight Jones.
“It depends on, obviously, length of time from charge, what’s the severity of the charge, was it a misdemeanor conviction, was it felony conviction, was there mitigating circumstances,” he explained.
He says those play a role in whether people with prior convictions can buy weapons.
Rewind to May of 2009. Records show shortly before Dwight Jones’ wife filed for divorce, he was charged in Scottsdale Municipal Court with misdemeanor assault, threats and intimidation, and disorderly conduct. Jones pleaded guilty, but that didn’t prevent him from buying a gun.
“There's times when you can go through a guilty plea but then later on get your rights restored, get your conviction expunged. Obviously, that changes the future of your life,” he said.
Investigators say Jones took the lives of six innocent victims with a legally purchased firearm.
Simon said when any customer seeks a weapons permit, they are background checked for felony offenses, not necessarily misdemeanors.
Scottsdale police tell 12 News the next step in all of this is for investigators to determine if Jones had help, sift through surveillance to see who might have been next and comb through computers, devices and documents in his possession.