In the winter of 2011, a young mother's life was tragically cut short in what should have been the safety of her Phoenix, Arizona home. Amanda Blaies-Rinaldi, a 28-year-old woman, had recently moved to the area from Naples, Florida, in an effort to escape an abusive relationship and create a safer environment for her two young sons. She was in the process of building a new life, running a home daycare so she could be present for her children, and was reportedly beginning to find happiness
again.
Her estranged husband, Anthony Rinaldi, a 26-year-old Army veteran and former corrections officer, followed her to Arizona. On the evening of December 13, 2011, while Amanda was putting up her Christmas tree, a violent confrontation ensued. In the garage of her home, Anthony Rinaldi shot Amanda three times, with her two sons, one of whom was only seven years old, upstairs in the house. It was her older son who bravely called 911 to report that his mother had been shot. After the shooting, Rinaldi fled the scene but soon after flagged down a police officer and confessed to the murder.
The investigation revealed a deeply troubled history of domestic violence. Court records from Florida showed that Amanda had previously sought a temporary order of protection against her husband, citing his violent outbursts, which included punching walls and smashing household items. She had expressed fear of him, telling friends and family that if anything ever happened to her, they should know who was responsible. Rinaldi's defense would later suggest that he 'snapped' and that his military training, including time as an Army sniper, kicked in. He also had a history of control issues and possible mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Anthony Rinaldi was initially charged with second-degree murder, but a grand jury later indicted him on a first-degree murder charge. He ultimately accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder and in December 2013, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Following their mother's death, Amanda's two sons were placed in the care of their maternal grandmother.
