PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Stalking, harassing, and an attempt to flee to Ecuador.
These are some of the disturbing new details revealed in a double murder case that now has the state pursuing the death penalty against Paul Jon Thomas.
One of the victims not only expressed concern before her death but didn’t go to authorities for fear her ex-fiancé would get revenge.
Anna Marie Chavez and Anthony Tate were murdered in January 2024.
According to court documents, the couple was found dead in Tate’s car. Chavez was shot in the face and head; Tate was also shot in the head.
The two were newly dating months after Chavez left Thomas, breaking off a 12-year relationship and engagement.
“We see about 80 to 120, depending on the year, domestic violence-related deaths in Arizona,” said Eli Ditlevson, the CEO of Chrysalis, a shelter and resource service for domestic violence victims in the Valley.
Court documents show that Chavez was working as a supervisor in the Mesa courthouse and met Tate, a cardiovascular tech in Phoenix. The two were happy in their new relationship.
According to police, Thomas had installed GPS tracking devices under both Chavez and Tate’s cars.
Chavez’s daughter told police her mother had tried to block Thomas after incessant text messages, but he continued over email.
Chavez printed those out to preserve them in case anything happened to her.
“Stalking is absolutely a sign of dangerousness, and he had access to their children. He also had access to her on an ongoing basis, which are all risk factors,” said Ditlevson.
Thomas reportedly told Chavez there was “trouble waiting to happen” if she kept living in Phoenix after moving into her apartment and setting up surveillance cameras.
“If someone says if you don’t leave this town there’s gonna be trouble, based on what I read, even if she left, there was going to be trouble. He would have had a different threat,” Ditlevson said.
According to the court paperwork, Chavez never got a restraining order for fear Thomas would retaliate.
Ditlevson said that fear is common, but orders of protection can create a legal paper trail.
Even though Tate and Chavez started dating well after the breakup with Thomas, Ditlevson said much of Thomas’ anger and rage was likely directed at Tate.
“Unfortunately, it’s something that in 20 years in this work, I’ve absolutely seen because they’re seen as a threat, or maybe even though it’s not logical, the cause or the reason they don’t have access to their former partner,” Ditlevson said.
Detectives tracked Paul Thomas to Georgia, where he was trying to fly to the Bahamas. Records show that the flight was canceled, so he tried to escape to Ecuador, but they arrested him for their murders at the airport.
His trial is set to begin in July. If convicted, the state plans to seek a death sentence.
Ditlevson said if you or anyone you know is in an abusive or stalking relationship, the best thing to do is establish a safety plan and let loved ones know about it.
You can visit the Chrysalis’ website for help and resources.
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