Bio

Charles B. Reinhardt was born on December 8, 1970. He grew up in a suburban area and experienced a mix of typical childhood and teenage years. As a young man, he dealt with common pressures and struggles that many people face during their formative years.

It is known that he became involved with drugs during his teenage years. Drugs would become a significant part of his later life, affecting his choices and relationships. Reinhardt formed connections with peers who shared similar interests in drugs.

At some point in his life, Reinhardt's actions began to reflect his struggles with substance abuse. This led him to associate with individuals who were also engaged in illegal activities. Drugs played a major role in the events that would unfold later on.

Reinhardt's life took a turn when he was introduced to a man named Michael Ellis. This introduction was made with the intent of helping Reinhardt purchase methamphetamine. This connection would later have severe consequences for both men.

Murder Story

On September 4, 1995, Charles B. Reinhardt, along with a female friend and two men, met at an apartment to discuss a drug deal. Reinhardt had given one of the men $1,180 in cash to buy methamphetamine. The victim, Michael Ellis, stayed behind as "collateral."

When the drugs did not arrive after several hours, Reinhardt and his accomplice threatened Ellis. The next morning, they drove Ellis to the Reddington Pass area in Pima County, Arizona. There, they assaulted him violently. They beat him in the face, shot him in the shoulder, and used heavy rocks to inflict further injuries.

After killing Ellis, Reinhardt and his accomplice drove the car to a shopping center. While Reinhardt was on the phone, his accomplice attempted to start a fire inside the vehicle. When police arrived, they fled in another car, leading to a high-speed chase until they crashed the vehicle.

Police apprehended Reinhardt and his accomplice. They observed blood on their clothes. In their original car, officers found a bloody towel, a shotgun, the victim's wallet, and burned newspapers. At the apartment where the meeting had taken place, officers detected blood smears and spatters leading outside. Friends of the accomplice reported seeing blood in the apartment where Ellis was last seen.

Reinhardt was arrested on the same day as the murder. His trial started on February 13, 1996, and ended with a verdict on February 22, 1996. Reinhardt was sentenced to death on May 20, 1996, due to the brutal nature of the crime and his prior convictions.