Police connect dangerous Valley criminal, Angel Padilla, to deadly burglary

PHOENIX - Angel Padilla is already wanted for a string of crimes and now police are connecting him to a new case stretching his crime spree Valleywide.

Police call Padilla a "strong investigative lead" in a burglary gone wrong.

It happened October 11th near 38th Street and Indian School Road.

The homeowner, 67-year-old David Cardoza, came home in the middle of the day to find a burglar or burglars in his home. Police said they beat him so badly he wasn't able to speak to detectives. Cardoza died this week from his injuries.

"Why did they have to take a life, it's senseless," said a woman who lives in the neighborhood who asked us to hide her identity. 

She said the crime has put the entire area on alert. "It certainly made me more aware of my surroundings and my daughter's and how safe I feel, or don't feel in my own neighborhood."

Police won't say what clues link Padilla to this crime, but it would be his first connection to a crime in the East Valley and those charges could be upgraded to murder if police can find him.

Padilla is also wanted in connection with at least six other crimes which include home invasions, kidnapping and even shooting at a Phoenix police officer 37 times with an assault rifle. 

Padilla spent 12 years in prison for 2nd degree murder. Police consider Padilla armed and dangerous.

Silent Witness is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to Padilla's arrest. To call in an anonymous tip, call 480-WITNESS.