PHOENIX — The power to seek death is the greatest power we give prosecutors.
But the process for selecting death penalty cases in Maricopa County is shrouded in secrecy.
This video report is the first chapter in a months-long investigation by ABC15 Chief Investigator Dave Biscobing and ProPublica investigative reporter Nicole Santa Cruz.
Watch the first part in this special ABC15 Investigators series in the player above. Check out the full investigation here.
The two journalists reviewed hundreds of capital cases going back two decades and found the Maricopa County Attorney's Office has sought death at one of the highest rates in the country.
But MCAO's cases rarely end in death sentences and the total cost is staggering.
As part of the joint investigation by ABC15 Chief Investigator Dave Biscobing and ProPublica investigative reporter Nicole Santa Cruz, the two sat down for an extended conversation discussing what went into the series and what surprising details they uncovered.
Hear the exclusive conversation from Dave and Nicole now on the ABC15 Streaming App on your TV.
