BULLHEAD CITY – There was little drama at a Thursday, Nov. 2 sentencing hearing in a Bullhead City homicide case. A Mohave County Superior Court jury last month convicted Kenneth Petrone, 28, of first-degree murder for the Nov. 5, 2022 stabbing death of his stepson Jake Arredondo, 26.
Punishment imposed by Judge Billy Sipe is mandated under Arizona law.
“It is ordered that the defendant is sentenced to natural life in the Arizona Department of Corrections,” Sipe said. “He is not eligible for any release on any basis whatsoever. He does have to spend the rest of his life in prison.”
Defense attorney Dwane Cates said an appeal will be filed on Petrone’s behalf.
Authorities said Arredondo suffered dozens of stab wounds inflicted with a long, homemade spear to which a 13-inch blade was affixed.
“Jake did not deserve this. Jake was a good person,” his father Henry said. “Now I have to figure out how to explain to my grandkids what happened.”
