On August 4, 2015 Prescott Valley Police Detectives (PVPD) made two arrests as a result of the drive by shooting investigation. Detectives learned from tips from the public and additional silent witness information that a vehicle that looked just like the one from the previous released photo was in a residential yard at 7076 E Spouse Drive.
PVPD detectives compared the information they had gathered and a search warrant was executed at the Spouse Drive residence by the PVPD SWAT Team due to the serious nature of the original incident on July 26th. No one was found at the home; however several pieces of evidence including: a matching firearms round, the matching vehicle as well as other items were collected that collaborated that the 29 year old Prescott Valley resident identified as Joseph Butitta was involved in the shooting.
Witnesses also mentioned that Butitta’s vehicle identified as flat black 1990 Toyota 4runner had suspiciously been parked behind his house in the evening sometime late Sunday July 26th after the incident initially occurred.
Detectives learned that Butitta had shot at the victim’s 2004 Chevrolet pickup during the altercation while Butitta’s girlfriend and his five year old juvenile were with him in the vehicle. During that initial incident, several rounds were fired and penetrated the 2004 Chevrolet Truck, almost striking the 24 year old victim / driver and the 13 and 14 year old occupants. Detectives took note that a round impacted a nearby residence, landing in the bedroom of a 16 year old juvenile that was sleeping as well as the surrounding area.
Joseph Butitta was booked into the Yavapai County Jail for the following charges:
ARS 13-1104A3, Attempted 2nd Degree Murder X 3
ARS 13-1204A, Aggravated Assault X 6
ARS 13-1201/13-3601A, Endangerment per Domestic Violence X 1
ARS 13-1201A, Endangerment X 6
ARS 13-1602A, Felony Criminal Damage X 2
ARS 13-3102A8, Misconduct involving a deadly weapon during felony X 1
ARS 13-3623/13-3601A, Child Abuse per Domestic Violence X 1
Joseph Butitta’s girlfriend identified as 28 year old Tara Hatcher, was booked for Hindering Prosecution ARS 13-2512A, due to concealing evidence.
The Prescott Valley Police Department is still asking for anyone with any information about this case to contact Detective Danny Oen at 928-772-5167, doen@pvaz.net or 911 for emergencies, or Yavapai Silent Witness 1-800-932-3232.