A grand jury indicted a 56-year-old man on charges of murder and animal cruelty in connection with an Aug. 12 incident in Gilbert, according to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. 

J. John Alderman was indicted Aug. 28 on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree attempt to commit murder, both class one felonies, and cruelty to animals, a first-degree misdemeanor, according to a release from Mitchell’s office. 

Alderman had been living at a motel in Gilbert near Country Club Drive and Guadalupe Road.  

Rodney Brewer, his wife, Jessica, and their dog were in an SUV that pulled into the parking space directly in front of Alderman’s room.  

Alderman fired shots into the SUV, killing Jessica Brewer, according to the release. The couple’s dog was also shot but survived. Rodney Brewer was not harmed. 

Alderman returned to his room at the motel where he barricaded himself by the time officers arrived, police said. 

Police negotiators established communication with Alderman who, after about 30 minutes, exited the room voluntarily and was taken into custody without incident, police said. 

Trial is currently scheduled for April next year. 

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