Man pleads guilty in 2020 Christmas Day murder of Circle K employee

PHOENIX – A man charged in a 2020 Christmas Day killing in Phoenix has taken a plea deal.

What we know:

On Christmas Day 2020, 18-year-old Tyler Cardiel was walking home from an overnight shift at Circle K when he was shot and killed near 83rd Avenue and Indian School Road.

Police said Bell, who was homeless, used a handgun he had stolen days before the shooting. Last March, Bell was deemed competent to stand trial following a mental evaluation.

Court filings confirm Timothy Bell, 35, pleaded guilty this week to second-degree murder, robbery and weapons misconduct.

The state had previously been seeking the death penalty.

What’s next:

Bell’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 27.