Tempe Man Offered Plea Deal in Wife's Death
Prosecutors offered to reduce second-degree murder charges against a Tempe man to negligent homicide.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Criminal Justice
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office has offered a plea deal to 36-year-old Christopher Hoopes following the death of his wife, Colleen Hoopes. The agreement would reduce his current second-degree murder charge to negligent homicide.
Why it matters
The deal significantly alters the potential sentencing range for the defendant, who was indicted for the 2022 shooting death of his wife. A change of plea hearing is currently scheduled to address the offer.
Christopher Hoopes faces a potential four to eight-year prison term under the plea deal, compared to 16 to 25 years for the initial second-degree murder indictment. The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Maricopa County Superior Court.
The players
Christopher Hoopes
He is a 36-year-old defendant charged in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife in Tempe.
Colleen Hoopes
She was the wife of Christopher Hoopes and was killed in a shooting incident.
Maricopa County Attorney's Office
This is the regional legal agency responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and managing plea negotiations in the area.
The details
Prosecutors allege the incident occurred after Christopher Hoopes grabbed a gun from his nightstand upon waking up. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the murder charge after being indicted by a grand jury in 2022.
Timeline
May 20, 2022: Christopher Hoopes was captured on body camera video.
2022: A grand jury indicted the defendant for second-degree murder.
September 2026: Prosecutors formally offered a plea deal.
November 16, 2026: A change of plea hearing is scheduled.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard application of the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding negligent homicide sentencing. It reflects a common procedural pivot where prosecutors negotiate charge reductions within established state penal guidelines.
The upcoming plea hearing at the Maricopa County Superior Court may result in future court proceedings being scheduled in the area. Residents can monitor public court dockets for updates on the final sentencing and resolution of the case.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the significant impact that plea agreements have on the length of potential prison sentences in the criminal justice system. Legal outcomes often shift significantly during the pretrial process as prosecutors and defendants negotiate the terms of their cases.
What happens next
A change of plea hearing is scheduled to take place at the Maricopa County Superior Court on November 16, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local court system on the Tempe Criminal Justice page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
