Homicide in Cornville – Suspect In-Custody

Cornville AZ (December 11, 2019) – UPDATE – The victim in this case, 22-year-old Jesse Rayfield from Cornville, died this morning. The case is now classified as a Homicide. Suspect Shultz remains in-custody and is held without bond. Detectives are currently conferring with the County Attorney’s Office regarding updated charges.

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Cornville AZ (December 9, 2019) – On December 7, 2019, around 6:30 PM, YCSO deputies were dispatched to the 11000 block of E Clatterbuck Drive, Cornville, regarding an unconscious adult male with a severe head injury. Additional information indicated 23-year-old David Shultz, who was not currently on scene, had assaulted the 22-year-old victim. 

Deputies began rendering first aid attempting to slow/stop the bleeding pending arrival of Verde Valley Fire personnel. Deputies noted a large amount of blood evident inside the travel trailer where the victim laid. A hammer with blood on it was discovered at the victim’s feet. Fire personnel arrived within minutes, treated the victim, and transported him to Verde Valley Medical Center. He was later taken to Flagstaff Medical center where he remains on life support with slim chances of survival according to detectives. It has also been confirmed that the victim is a registered organ donor.

A relative of suspect Shultz, who originally found the victim, remained on site to speak with deputies. He told them that suspect Shultz had gone to the nearby home of another family member where he admitted to striking the victim with a bat. Shultz left and that family member contacted him by text concerned about what Shultz had stated. They went to the Clatterbuck Drive house to check on the victim and found him on the floor with major head injuries becoming overwhelmed by the gruesome scene. 

Deputies contained the area, gathered witnesses and notified detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau. A detective soon developed information that suspect Shultz could be hiding out at a home in the 2700 block of Candler Drive in Cornville. Deputies contacted a resident there and learned Shultz had been seen a short time ago and may be inside a trailer on the property. Deputies and detectives surrounded the trailer, called for Shultz and he eventually came to the front door. He was taken into custody without incident. 

Shultz was booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center on a Attempted 2nd Degree Murder charge and is being held without bond. Shultz refused to discuss the incident. 

Detectives continue the investigation. Victim identification is pending. 

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov