Date of Birth: June 18, 1962
Defendant: Caucasian
Victim: Chinese-American

Sentence Vacated May 16, 2002

On March 8, 1991, 72-year old John Lee, and his 50-year old daughter, Ginger Lee, were found bludgeoned to death on the floor of the Joyland Market in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mr. Lee had owned and operated the market for decades. Ginger Lee worked at the marked in the evenings, after working during the day as an elementary school teacher at Griffith School in Phoenix.

An anonymous tip led police officers to Hyde and his step-brother, Jackie Johnson. Hyde made incriminating statements to police officers, and following his incarceration in the Madison Street Jail in Phoenix, he made incriminating statements to his cell-mate.

Hyde's statements suggest that he and his step- brother needed money to leave Phoenix. Johnson attempted to steal Ginger Lee's purse, but Ginger Lee caught him in the act, and a scuffle ensued.

When John Lee attempted to help his daughter, Hyde beat him over the head with a large Bowie Knife, then beat Ginger repeatedly over the head with the same knife.

Hyde and Johnson took approximately $700 from the Lees. Johnson, who did not make incriminating statements to police officers, was tried separately, and was acquitted of both murders.

PROCEEDINGS

    Presiding Judge: John H. Seidel
    Prosecutor: Noel Levy
    Start of Trial:  May 11, 1992
    Verdict: May 29, 1992
    Sentencing: July 23, 1992

Aggravating Circumstances:

    Pecuniary gain    
    Especially heinous and depraved
    Defendant convicted of more than one homicide

Mitigating Circumstances:

    None

PUBLISHED OPINIONS

    State v. Hyde, 186 Ariz. 252, 921 P.2d 655 (1996).