State Glance

Phx. media fight for accused serial killer’s case files

PHOENIX — Arizona journalists are fighting a court decision concealing information in the case of the so-called Serial Street Shooter.

A lawyer representing the Arizona Republic, Associated Press and several TV broadcast stations filed the motion Friday.

Police have accused 23-year-old Aaron Juan Saucedo of killing nine people in 12 shootings in 2015 and 2016.

He faces multiple charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault.

Saucedo maintained his innocence in court.

The Arizona Republic reports that a Maricopa County judge had granted a prosecutor’s motion to seal parts of the criminal complaint and indictment, citing an ongoing investigation.

Police: Suspect in 5 robberies in 4-hour span arrested

PHOENIX — Police say a man is in custody in connection with five armed robberies of north Phoenix convenience stores over a four-hour span.

Phoenix police say 20-year-old Michael Samson was arrested at 1 a.m. Friday, about four hours after the first robbery.

The Circle K clerk told police a man entered the store armed with a handgun and demanded money, then fled in a white compact car.

About an hour later, police responded to another robbery, with the description of the suspect and vehicle matching the first incident. The suspect reportedly committed three other robberies within a two-hour window.