Sedona AZ (December 23, 2013) – On December 21, 2013, at approximately 1:15 in the afternoon, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 2800 block of Tissaw Road, Cornville, regarding a man threatening to kill his neighbors.

A deputy arrived within minutes and heard gunfire. Dispatchers also notified the deputy that two adults (husband, age 60 and his wife, age 59) were inside the home and could see the suspect shooting through their back door.

Katz

While maintaining cover, the deputy was able to locate the suspect as described in the call. The man, 54-year-old Clifford Katz, was spotted by the deputy sitting on the back porch of the victim’s home next to a rifle lying on a table. The deputy could see numerous bullet holes through the glass in the rear door of the home. By way of verbal commands, the deputy was able to distance the suspect from the rifle and take him into custody.

The husband told deputies that Katz had come over earlier in the day and ordered him to leave. Katz told the man he bought their house and wanted him and his wife to vacate within 30 minutes. The victim’s wife was not home at this point. Katz left but returned a few minutes. He demanded the couple leave their home, adding that he “could have them killed.” Katz barged inside and after the husband told him to leave, Katz pushed him. The victim contacted his wife by cell phone asked her to call 911 as Katz was becoming violent.

Rifle used in Cornville attempted murder

Katz entered the victim’s attached garage and sat inside the couple’s truck still refusing to leave. At this time, the victim’s wife arrived and opened the garage door to see Katz confronting her husband. When Katz learned the police were coming, he left and told the couple he was going to get his gun and kill them.

Both victims barricaded themselves in their home while updating dispatchers via 911. They watched Katz enter his own home and then exit quickly holding a rifle. Katz came to their back porch, banged on the door, then sat down in a nearby chair. A few moments later, he walked away from the porch, turned, and fired several rounds into the home. At this time, the first deputy arrived at the front of the house.

The victims then saw Katz return to the back porch and fire several more rounds through the door and door frame before setting the rifle down. It appeared Katz was targeting areas where he thought the couple might be hiding. The deputy approached and took Katz into custody. Neither victim was injured.

Bullet riddled door to Cornville home

Detectives served a search warrant at Katz’s home and recovered over 4 pounds of marijuana and a 12 gauge shotgun among other items. The .22 caliber rifle fired by Katz was recovered as well as evidence inside the victim’s home damaged by bullet fragments.

Detectives are investigating medical issues and drug use by Katz that may be a factor in his behavior.

Katz was booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including two counts of attempted murder and discharge of a firearm six times into a structure. He remains in-custody on a $45,000 bond.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260.

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