In the small community of Golden Valley, Arizona, a dispute between roommates over a seemingly trivial matter escalated into a fatal encounter. Everett Yates, a 73-year-old man, was found dead in his home on December 14, 2022. The events leading to his death began with a simple argument with his roommate, Robert Hoenshell Jr., also 73, concerning a damaged microwave.
This disagreement, however, would have dire consequences.
According to the Mohave County Sheriff's Office, the argument between Yates and Hoenshell occurred the day before the fatal incident. In the early hours of the following day, the conflict reached its tragic conclusion. Authorities reported that Hoenshell shot Yates while he was sleeping. Deputies were dispatched to the residence in the 3100 block of McConnico Road at approximately 3:55 p.m. on December 14th, where they discovered Yates deceased.
The investigation that followed quickly identified Robert Hoenshell Jr. as the primary suspect in the death of his roommate. During interviews with detectives, Hoenshell reportedly made statements that implicated him in the shooting. Based on the investigation and his statements, Hoenshell was arrested and is facing a charge of first-degree murder. The case proceeded through the legal system, leaving the community to grapple with the reality of a life lost over a household appliance.
