KINGMAN — A road rage incident that ended in a shooting outside a Kingman Walgreen’s store will result in a mandatory prison sentence for the defendant. A plea agreement in the case against Nils Peters, 70, was entered May 1 following an 80-minute-long settlement conference conducted by Judge Billy Sipe.
There is no dispute that Peters shot another unarmed man 4 times after the May 7, 2025 dispute that began on Hualapai Mountain Road. The motorists ended up in the parking lot of the Walgreen’s at 1925 Andy Devine Avenue where Peters opened fired through an open window of his Bronco, critically wounding the 73-year-old victim who had approached before turning when he saw Peters was armed.
During the settlement conference, Peters told Judge Sipe that he can raise justification as a shooting defense, under what he called Arizona’s stand your ground law.
“You have the right to defend yourself when someone attacks you,” Peters said.
Dissecting the case like a bullfrog in a biology lab, Sipe said Peters would have a shot at trial acquittal on the attempted murder charge as jurors might believe he had no intent to kill. But, Sipe said Peters would likely be convicted of aggravated assault for shooting an unarmed man.
Sipe also said incriminating statements Peters made after the shooting would undermine any justification defense he might employ. It was noted the Peters didn’t tell investigating officers that he was defending himself, and instead said “I have anger management issues,” and “he wanted this and I gave it to him.”
Sipe informed Peters he would face a 5-15-year prison term if convicted of aggravated assault, while the state was offering the minimum of that range in the plea agreement.
Peters accepted the plea offer and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. He faces a 3.5-5-year sentence at a July 31st sentencing hearing. The state agreed to allow extra time before sentencing so Peters can make arrangements for care of his 94-year-old mother when he is in prison.
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