Man sentenced to 19 years for attacking homeless in Valley

PHOENIX — A man who committed a “series of violent crimes” against homeless people in the Valley has been sentenced to 19 years in prison, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced Saturday. 

In June 2024, Isaiah Adams, now 26, violently attacked a homeless man who was asleep at a bus stop near La Pradera Park in Phoenix by kicking the man in the face and ribs to wake him up before shooting the man in the back when he tried to escape, Mitchell said. The victim was permanently paralyzed from the attack. 

Adams pleaded guilty to the crimes, which also included shooting another homeless man in the foot after firing several rounds at him. Adams was arrested while driving a stolen vehicle. He had drugs on him at the time of his arrest, officials said. 

“This predator didn’t just commit random acts of violence, he deliberately targeted the most vulnerable people in our community,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “He shot, paralyzed, and terrorized individuals who were simply trying to survive. This kind of cruelty is beyond cowardly, and it has no place in Maricopa County.”

Adams pleaded guilty to armed robbery, aggravated assault and drug-related charges.

After his release from prison, Adams will be on probation for four years, officials said.

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