An Arizona man has been charged with murder after authorities say he fatally shot a 70-year-old man during a dispute over property, with deputies first alerted to the incident by a 911 call in which an argument could allegedly be heard before the call abruptly disconnected.
Ronald McKinnon, 35, is facing charges that include homicide, attempted homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and misconduct involving weapons, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim, identified as 70-year-old Willard Eugene Belt Jr., later died from the injuries he suffered in the shooting.
According to investigators, deputies received a 911 call at approximately 5:25 a.m. on Sunday from a residence in the 10000 block of Earls Road in Dolan Springs, Arizona. Dispatchers reported hearing an argument in the background before the call was disconnected, prompting deputies to respond immediately to the location.
When officers arrived, they found Belt suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities said he was unresponsive and was airlifted to a hospital in Las Vegas, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Detectives launched an investigation, executing a search warrant at the property and collecting evidence. The following day, after Belt’s condition temporarily improved, investigators were able to obtain a statement from him.
According to authorities, Belt told detectives that McKinnon had come to the property and argued with him over property-related issues. During the confrontation, McKinnon allegedly threatened him by saying he was “going to have to kill him” before firing a rifle and striking him multiple times.
While investigating the shooting, detectives uncovered evidence linking McKinnon to another violent incident that allegedly occurred the previous day.
Investigators said McKinnon had been staying at another residence with a 60-year-old woman identified as Angela Baker. During an argument with another resident, McKinnon allegedly retrieved a .22-caliber rifle from his vehicle and fired at least one round into a vehicle parked on the property. Authorities also allege he pointed the rifle toward people at the residence and fired at least two additional shots in their direction.
Fortunately, no one was injured during that incident. Investigators said the shooting stopped after the firearm reportedly malfunctioned. McKinnon and Baker then allegedly fled the scene in a gray Chrysler convertible.
As the investigation continued, detectives conducted surveillance on individuals believed to be associated with McKinnon. On Thursday, authorities located the gray Chrysler convertible and conducted a traffic stop. Four occupants, including McKinnon and Baker, were detained.
Shortly afterward, investigators learned that Belt had died from the gunshot wounds he sustained despite receiving emergency medical treatment in Las Vegas. His death resulted in the case becoming a homicide investigation.
McKinnon was arrested and booked into the Mohave County Jail on multiple felony charges, including homicide and several weapons-related offenses.
Authorities also arrested 60-year-old Angela Baker and 45-year-old John Carlton. Both have been charged with one count of hindering prosecution.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence related to both incidents. Prosecutors are expected to move forward with the homicide case following the victim’s death.
