Three of Arizona's Most Notorious Criminals

Arizona once defined the Old West. Gunslingers and outlaws found refuge in the lawless territory. From the infamous shootout at the OK Corral to Arizona's bloodiest gunfight, the Power Cabin Shootout, Arizona is no stranger to the criminal element.

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Things are not nearly as disorderly as they once were, but Arizona still has many notorious criminals. Things may have settled down since we became a state back in 1912, but just like other states, Arizona still has some notorious criminals.

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Here are three more recent high-profile criminals who are considered to be among the most dangerous in Arizona's storied history.

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Top Three Most Dangerous Criminals in Arizona (Recent Cases)

Bryan Patrick Miller. | Courtesy AZ Department of Corrections | Background: Canva

1. Bryan Patrick Miller aka the "Zombie Hunter"

Crimes Committed: Miller, known as the Zombie Hunter, was convicted of two brutal murders in Phoenix committed in the early 1990s. He was linked to the murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas; both women were sexually assaulted and murdered while bicycling.
Prison Sentence: Sentenced to life without parole and incarcerated in an Arizona state prison.
Details: His case gained notoriety due to his cosplay persona and the cold-case DNA evidence that was used to solve the case.
The Zombie Hunter Nickname: Miller was known as the Zombie Hunter because he dressed in a homemade costume inspired by the Resident Evil video game franchise.

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Jace Christian Reed | Courtesy Pima County Sheriff's Department | Background: Canva

2. Jace Christian Reed

Crimes Committed: In 2023, Reed was convicted on multiple counts of child abuse and homicide involving his own children in Flagstaff.
Prison Sentence: He's now serving a life sentence in an Arizona Department of Corrections facility.
Details: The shocking case was notorious for its brutality and the young age of the victims.

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Jason Derek Brown | Courtesy FBI's Most Wanted (Age Enhanced) | Background: Canva

3. Jason Derek Brown

Crimes Committed: Jason Derek Brown is currently wanted for the 2004 murder of an armored car guard in Phoenix and theft of $56,000.
On the Lam: Brown is not currently in custody and remains one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives.
Status: Still at large twenty years later. This case remains one of Arizona’s most infamous crimes.

Sources: AZ Department of Corrections | Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) | Arizona Judicial Branch

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Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM