Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Phoenix, AZ: PD: Man killed one woman, targeted another because he was angry they broke up with him

PHOENIX - The man police say killed a north Phoenix woman and attempted to kill a Las Vegas woman reportedly went after them seeking revenge.

The details are outlined in newly released investigative paperwork from the Las Vegas Police Department.

According to the documents, Wade Mitchell Ridley admitted to killing 62-year-old Anne Simenson of Phoenix because he wanted her to pay for how she mistreated him.

The report states Ridley used a machete and butcher knife to kill Simenson then stole several items including jewelry, credit cards and her car.

Days later, Las Vegas police were told to be on the lookout for Ridley.

Ridley, according to Nevada authorities, then attacked another ex-girlfriend, Mary Kay Beckman. In the report, Ridley hid in Beckman's garage, waited for her to return home and then attacked her as she got out of her car.

Investigators say Ridley stabbed Beckman repeatedly until his knife broke then stomped on her head and neck.

A witness heard the commotion and called 911, which may have saved the victim's life.

Currently, Beckman is in critical condition in a Las Vegas hospital.

Officers say Ridley met Beckman on the dating website Match.com and told investigators he was not happy with the breakup after Beckman ended the relationship.

Phoenix detectives are in Las Vegas working to figure out when they'll be able to bring Ridley back to the Valley to face murder charges.

Ridley faces several charges in Nevada, including attempted murder and robbery.

A Phoenix Police Department spokesperson tells ABC15 it's not clear at this point if Ridley had other targets in mind.

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