KINGMAN, Ariz. – A Fort Mohave man offered apology before he was sentenced to prison for the shooting death of his childhood friend during a July 14 hearing at the Mohave County Law and Justice Center in Kingman. Judge Ryan Esplin imposed a six-year prison sentence for Jeremy Mcryhew, 40.
The punishment was stipulated in a plea agreement convicting Mcryhew of manslaughter in the April 5, 2021, death of Cody Waltz, 40, Apple Valley, California.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office reported that Waltz was fatally injured during an attempted firearm exchange at Mcryhews’ home in the 4000 block of Cavalry Road. Authorities said Mcryhew was handing a loaded firearm to Waltz that discharged, resulting in his death following transport to Valley View Medical Center.
“I just want to say I’m sorry,” Mcryhew said of Waltz’s death. “He was my best friend for so many years.”
Waltz’s sisters mourned their loss as they provided victim impact statements to the court.
“Cody Waltz was a breath of fresh air,” one said, noting her brother had an infectious smile and laugh that would light up a room.
“This really, really breaks our hearts,” another sister said, noting her brother leaves behind two children who miss their dad.
