Murder / Homicide
“Justice Vs. Age”: Josh Kolsrud Analyzes Derek Rosa’s Guilty Plea And Sentence
Defense attorney Josh Kolsrud described the Derek Rosa case as one of the most challenging situations the justice system can face, stressing that age alone cannot outweigh the severity of the crime. He noted that stabbing one’s mother 40 times while she slept is an “adult act” that demands real accountability. In Kolsrud’s view, society cannot simply excuse conduct of this magnitude, even when the defendant is only 13 years old at the time of the offense.
Read MoreDelays in the Cudjoe Young Murder Case | Criminal Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud Weighs in on 12News
October 16, 2025 -12 News Phoenix The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Cudjoe Young have attracted significant public attention. Young is currently facing both first-degree murder and kidnapping charges in connection to the killing of Mercedes Vega, alongside an earlier charge for armed robbery involving Vega and several other dancers in Phoenix. Notably, Young’s trials have…
Read MorePolice Helicopter Crash Fallout: Could Felony Murder Apply?
Defense attorney Josh Kolsrud explains that felony murder doesn’t require intent to kill — only that a death is a foreseeable result of committing a dangerous felony. In this case, he notes that if investigators determine the suspect was firing at the police helicopter, or even exchanging gunfire with officers while the helicopter was actively involved in the pursuit, felony murder charges could apply.
Read MoreCircumstantial Case, High Stakes: Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud Breaks Down the Michael Abadi Murder Charges
According to Kolsrud, investigators do not have a confession, a murder weapon, or direct forensic proof tying Michael Abattii to the shooting. What they do have are travel records and timestamps allegedly showing Abattii driving from California to Pinetop and back within a 24-hour window. Kolsrud noted this timeline will be central to prosecutors attempting to establish motive, means, and opportunity—but stressed that circumstantial evidence alone still leaves significant room for doubt.
Read MorePhoenix Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud Offers Insights Into Teacher-Student Assault
In his Phoenix 12 News interview, defense attorney Josh Kolsrud zeroed in on the self-defense claim being floated in the case. Based on the facts shared by the school, Kolsrud said he does not see a viable self-defense argument, emphasizing that striking a child in the back doesn’t align with how self-defense is legally defined. His analysis suggests that even if a classroom situation was chaotic, the alleged response crosses a legal line—especially when force is used against a student who is not actively threatening the adult.
Read MoreDefense Attorney Josh Kolsrud: Prosecution’s Case Against Brendan Banfield May Be on Shaky Ground
In his recent appearance on Court TV, Defense attorney Josh Kolsrud argued that though the Brendan Banfield case is deeply disturbing—he cautions that the prosecution’s version of events should not be taken at face value. While prosecutors allege an elaborate, premeditated plot involving a fetish website and a staged attack, Kolsrud emphasizes that these are still allegations, not proven facts. He outlines three competing narratives the jury must consider: that the au pair orchestrated the events, that Banfield did, or that Banfield walked in believing his wife was under attack and reacted in the moment.
Read MoreAttorney Josh Kolsrud Analyzes the Legal Stakes in AI Teen Suicide Lawsuit
September 21, 2025 – Fox10 News Phoenix The tragic case of Adam Raine, a teenager whose parents allege that OpenAI’s ChatGPT played a direct role in his death by suicide, is spurring a nationwide discussion on the safety and liability of artificial intelligence. In light of the lawsuit filed against the creators of ChatGPT, Phoenix-based…
Read MoreDefense Attorney Josh Kolsrud Weighs In On the Charlie Kirk Shooting Case
As the legal proceedings against Tyler Robinson, accused in the high-profile shooting death of Charlie Kirk, take shape, Kolsrud Law Offices founder Josh Kolsrud recently shared his insights on AZFamily 3TV. With Robinson facing a host of state and potentially federal charges, Josh offered an in-depth analysis of the legal landscape and procedural hurdles ahead.
Read MoreAttorney Josh Kolsrud Analyzes Charges in the Shooting Death of Charlie Kirk
The recent, tragic shooting death of political commentator Charlie Kirk during a public event at Utah Valley University has captured national attention. With authorities charging 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection to the crime, the looming legal proceedings are under intense public scrutiny. Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud, was recently invited to share his expert legal insight on 3TV Phoenix. Here, we highlight Josh’s unique perspectives on the case, the charges, and its unprecedented legal complexities.
Read MoreLegal Insights: The Case Against Tyler Robinson – Attorney Josh Kolsrud Weighs In
The high-profile case involving Tyler Robinson, accused in the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk, has captured national attention and sparked profound legal discussions. Recently, our own attorney Josh Kolsrud appeared on Court TV in Phoenix to offer his professional analysis of the case’s unique legal complexities.
Read MoreDefense Attorney Josh Kolsrud Weighs In on the High-Profile Charlie Kirk Shooting Case
In the wake of the tragic shooting of political commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, national attention has turned to the ongoing investigation and its far-reaching legal implications. Prominent Phoenix defense attorney Josh Kolsrud was recently invited to share his expertise on Fox10 News, offering invaluable insight into the complexities of the case and its potential impact on criminal defense law.
Read MoreAttorney Josh Kolsrud Weighs in on the Aftermath of Karen Read’s Acquittal and Property Disputes
The recent acquittal of Karen Read in the high-profile case involving the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe brought national attention to both the criminal justice process and the challenges defendants face even after a “not guilty” verdict. In the wake of her acquittal, Read and her legal team have requested the return of key personal property—including her 2021 Lexus SUV and cell phones—which were seized during the investigation.
Read MoreJosh Kolsrud Analyzes the Lori Vallow Trial: Insights from a Seasoned Criminal Defense Attorney
As the nation watches high-profile cases like Lori Vallow’s unfold in courtrooms and on television screens, experienced criminal defense attorneys are often called upon to offer perspective and clarity. Recently, our own Josh Kolsrud appeared on 12 News in Phoenix to analyze the complex and disturbing case of Lori Vallow—sharing his seasoned insight on trial strategy, the psychology behind the defense, and what the public should expect as the case moves toward sentencing.
Read MoreAttorney Josh Kolsrud Analyzes the Adam Sheafe Murder Case
Adam Sheafe, who has openly confessed to the gruesome murder during a televised interview, is awaiting extradition to Maricopa County to face what will likely be a first-degree murder charge. As this high-profile case unfolds, criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor Josh Kolsrud provided key legal insights during a recent 12 News segment, weighing in on the likely prosecution strategy and possible defense avenues.
Read MoreLegal Expert Josh Kolsrud Breaks Down the Preston Lord Murder Case
The highly publicized murder case surrounding the tragic death of Preston Lord, a Queen Creek teen killed at a Halloween party in 2023, is making headlines once again as the trial date for six teenage defendants is pushed back.
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