The suspect, accused of killing his brother, refused to cooperate with investigators and has now been charged with murder as the case develops.
Authorities in Phoenix have arrested a man accused of fatally shooting his brother, a well-known attorney, and later returning to the scene of the crime. The incident unfolded in an Arcadia neighborhood on Friday morning, March 21, prompting a heavy police presence and a SWAT response.
Police responded to a residence on Calle del Medio, near 44th Street and Camelback Road, around 8 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of 51-year-old James “Artie” Arthur Eaves in the driveway.
James, an attorney at Phoenix law firm Sanders & Parks, had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Investigators quickly identified the suspect as the victim’s 49-year-old brother, Christopher Arthur Eaves.
As authorities worked at the scene, Christopher reportedly returned with other family members, at which point he was taken into custody.
Aerial footage captured multiple officers surrounding a home in a cul-de-sac, with guns drawn. The Phoenix Police Department also deployed a helicopter and SWAT officers as part of the response. Police say Christopher refused to cooperate with investigators.
Newly released court documents on Monday, March 24, shed light on the moments leading up to and following the fatal shooting of James. The attorney was found face down in his driveway with a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators later reviewed home surveillance footage, which reportedly captured the entire incident. According to court records, Christopher arrived at James’s home, crashed his vehicle into the garage door, and stepped out wearing a hooded shirt while carrying a handgun.
Another clip showed James returning home, inspecting the damaged BMW, and walking toward his front door moments before the shooting occurred.
A witness walking nearby heard gunshots around 8 a.m. on the fateful day and saw a man with a shaved head or short hair speeding away in a white BMW. The witness recorded the license plate number, which police later confirmed was registered to Christopher.
The Eaves’ parents also recounted how Christopher ended up back at the crime scene. They said he had left their house earlier, and when he returned, they informed him that something had happened at James’s home. Christopher then insisted on going with them to see what had occurred, which ultimately led to his arrest.
The parents informed police that Christopher had a history of mental health struggles. They also recounted an incident two years prior when he was hospitalized after being found unconscious with methamphetamine and fentanyl in his system.
During their investigation, police discovered a loaded firearm on Christopher’s nightstand, which reportedly matched the weapon used in the shooting. Additional loaded guns were also found inside his car.
Although Christopher refused to speak with investigators, he was described as vocal and argumentative during his initial court appearance. He is currently facing first-degree murder and burglary charges and is being held on a $1.5 million cash-only bond.
If Christopher posts bond, he will be placed under electronic monitoring and barred from contacting the victim’s family, including his own parents. Authorities have not yet determined a clear motive for the crime. His next court hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 27.
The legal community has been left reeling from James’s tragic death. Known for his work in medical malpractice defense and involvement in a murder prosecution case, he was widely respected in his field. James worked on the transition team for former Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel in 2019.
Benjamin Taylor, who was on the same team, said, “Hearing the news, was just very shocking. Everybody respected Artie within the legal community.”
Another former colleague, Ryan Sandstrom, also paid tribute to James, writing, “I worked with Artie for 8 years. We were partners at Sanders & Parks. It is truly a shocking and devastating tragedy. Prayers for Artie’s family.”
Sander & Parks also only had positive things to say about James. “For nearly 22 years, Artie was a valued member of Sanders & Parks. He was a highly respected and tremendously talented trial lawyer handling medical malpractice cases on behalf of doctors and hospitals, as well as governmental liability matters for municipalities and counties,” they shared in a statement.
The law firm also described James as more than just a colleague. They remembered him as a cherished friend, a larger-than-life presence, and a gifted storyteller. Above all, they highlighted his devotion to his family as a husband and father and his kindhearted nature, stating that he will be greatly missed.
