Today a Pima County Superior Court Judge sentenced Mayln Pavolka to 30 years in an Arizona State Mental Health Institution, 6 years on each count to be served consecutively for a total of 30 years, the maximum sentence available. This proceeding is a clear example of how the complexities and legal constraints can have a direct impact on the prosecution of Guilty Except Insane (GEI) cases. Our prosecutors and victim services advocates worked diligently to help provide the family a voice in this case and throughout the trial within the confines of the judicial process. Ultimately, it’s the judge who made the final decision on sentencing.
The defendant initially entered a plea of not guilty in response to the charges filed against her; she was within her rights to change that plea to Guilty Except Insane (GEI), which is allowed by Arizona law. At the time, a Pima County Superior Court judge made the legal finding that the defendant was guilty except insane at the time the offenses charged in the plea agreement were committed. PCAO was obligated to follow the rule of law as established by the Arizona State Legislature for GEI cases, with our prosecutors doing everything possible to give victims a voice, protect their rights, and help prevent future harm in our community.
We have been and will continue to be dedicated to seeking accountability and justice for both victims and their loved ones.
Media Contact: Shawndrea Thomas
Director of Communications
Pima County Attorney’s Office
(520) 724-5738 (Office)
(520) 310-4720 (Mobile)
Shawndrea.Thomas@pcao.pima.gov
