In the early morning hours of January 28, 2022, a tragic event unfolded in a Mesa, Arizona backyard that cut short the life of 24-year-old Makinley Allyse Charnoski. Responding to a report of a shooting near Alma School Road and Main Street, Mesa police discovered the bodies of Charnoski and 32-year-old Mottio Paschal in the backyard of a residence.
Both had been shot and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the double homicide revealed a chilling account of a planned and violent encounter. The suspect, later identified as 53-year-old Aaron Thomas, had reportedly been driven to the location with the intention of purchasing drugs. A woman at the scene told investigators that a man wearing a hoodie and a mask and carrying a backpack had pushed past her. This description, along with DNA evidence recovered from a retaining wall and video footage from the area, ultimately linked Thomas to the crime.
Prosecutors detailed a premeditated act, stating that Thomas had acquired a gun, gloves, and a mask before heading to the victims' house. According to the investigation, Thomas shot Mottio Paschal in the back without any warning. When Makinley Charnoski began to scream and plead for her life, Thomas shot her multiple times. He then shot Paschal again at point-blank range before fleeing the scene.
Aaron Thomas was subsequently arrested and faced multiple charges. In a conclusive end to the investigation, he was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and misconduct involving weapons. On May 9, 2024, justice was served as Thomas was sentenced to two consecutive natural life sentences for the murders of Makinley Charnoski and Mottio Paschal, ensuring he would spend the remainder of his life in prison for the brutal and senseless act of violence.
