In the city of Phoenix, Arizona, a man known for his work with the less fortunate became the victim of a fatal home invasion. John 'Jack' Moriarty, a 53-year-old White/Caucasian male, was a pastor who dedicated his life to helping former prison inmates and the homeless. His compassion and commitment to his community were well-known, making the events of February 27, 2015, all the more tragic.
On that Friday night, two men broke into Moriarty's home near Monroe Street and 20th Avenue with
the intention of robbing the residence. The intruders, later identified as Jaime Sapien and Jesse Monroy, encountered Pastor Moriarty and another man inside the house. A confrontation ensued, and in the ensuing struggle, John Moriarty was shot and killed. The other male resident in the home sustained only minor injuries.
The investigation into the senseless murder of Pastor Moriarty led Phoenix police to identify Sapien and Monroy as the primary suspects. Jesse Monroy was arrested in March 2015 and faced several charges, including first-degree murder. Further investigation revealed the involvement of a third individual, Nichole Coble, who had acted as the getaway driver for the two men on the night of the deadly home invasion.
Ultimately, both Jaime Sapien and Jesse Monroy were found guilty of 2nd-degree murder and 1st-degree burglary for their roles in the death of John Moriarty. Their convictions resulted in each of them being sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison. Nichole Coble, for her part in the crime, was also charged with 2nd-degree murder, bringing a close to the search for justice for the beloved pastor whose life was tragically cut short.
