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David Watson update: Former Tucson firefighter receives 66 years for triple murder

Posted at 11:03 AM, Apr 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-17 17:50:19-04

Judge Deborah Bernini sentenced former firefighter David Watson was sentenced Monday to 66 years in prison for murdering three people.

A Pima County Superior Court jury found Watson guilty in March.

Authorities say he killed his ex-wife Linda Watson, who disappeared 16 years ago during a custody fight over her daughter. Her body was identified in 2013.
 
David Watson is also accused of shooting and killing Linda Watson's mother, Marilyn Cox, as well as family friend Renee Farnsworth in 2003 as she fought for visitation rights with the child.
 
Watson underwent a trial for the same crimes last year but the jury could not reach a verdict. The hung jury triggered a retrial this year. Watson's attorney's request for a third trial was denied Monday before the sentencing.
  
David Watson was arrested and charged after a later ex-wife recanted her statements that David Watson was with her when Linda Watson disappeared and her mother was murdered.
 
Both trials included several weeks of testimony from more than 60 people and more than 500 pieces of evidence.