Former Day One “Catch 22” Suspect Is Sentenced To 28-Years In Prison

A man who authorities searched for, for nearly three years and was finally arrested in Payson in July was sentenced this week. Forty-four-year-old Robert Pearsall was convicted of attempted first degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault in 2019 after he approached a man in the Drake area of Prescott back on September 8th, 2018. Without warning, Pearsall struck the man in the head, face and chest multiple times with a hardened piece of wood. The attack caused severe swelling and blood loss to the head and face of the victim. Pearsall fled the scene after being confronted by witnesses. The victim survived the attack, but suffered a concussion, partial loss of his right ear and multiple cuts and bruises. He was out on bond at the time of the trial and fled two days before the jury found him guilty. After being the Day One suspect on Yavapai Silent Witness’ “Catch 22” list, Pearsall was stopped by Payson Police back in July for a traffic violation on a moped. He then fled after the officer asked for ID. The officer was able to take him into custody. Pearsall was sentenced Wednesday to 28 years in prison on the original attempted murder and aggravated assault charges.