Repeat Offender in Arizona Receives Life Plus 10 Years for Fatal Shooting Just 16 Days After Prison Release

An Arizona man, Clifton Nez Hamalowa, aged 47, has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 10 years for a violent crime spree that culminated in the cold-blooded murder of Richard Olds on tribal land. The sentencing took place on May 27, marking the end of a harrowing case that shook communities within the Gila River and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian reservations.

Hamalowa’s conviction stems from a brutal incident in 2020, just 16 days after his release from prison for previous violent offenses. According to federal prosecutors, Hamalowa shot Olds multiple times in the head in the presence of the victim’s young child—a detail that horrified the local community and underscored the senselessness of the act. The attack occurred within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Community, bringing heightened attention to ongoing concerns about violence on Native American land.

In an attempt to cover up their crime, Hamalowa and his siblings engaged in a calculated effort to hide evidence. They disposed of the victim's car and dumped Olds' body in a remote area of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian reservation, hoping to evade law enforcement. Authorities later revealed that Hamalowa and his sister also attempted to intimidate witnesses, further obstructing the investigation and adding layers of criminality to their conduct.

The court found Hamalowa guilty on multiple counts, including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. His long history of violence played a significant role in the judge’s decision, with records showing prior convictions for stabbing his mother in 1991, fatally stabbing another man in 1999, and attacking a fellow inmate while incarcerated previously.

Hamalowa’s family members also faced consequences for their roles in the aftermath of the murder. His brother, Thomas Leon Hamalowa, admitted guilt as an accessory after the fact to murder and received a sentence of 108 months (nine years). His sister, Devonne Beth Hamalowa, also pleaded guilty to being an accessory and was sentenced to 84 months (seven years) behind bars. Both sentences were handed down by federal judges earlier this year.

The case stands as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by repeat offenders and the devastating impact violent crime has on families and entire communities. Authorities emphasized the ongoing need for vigilance and support for victims, particularly within vulnerable populations on tribal lands.