Florence, AZ – The Pinal County Superior Court sentenced David Paulson, now 20, to life in prison on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011 for the murder of Randall Davis-Mercier in 2008.

Both Paulson and Davis-Mercier were 17 at the time. Paulson told his 16-year-old girlfriend, Maeghan Rice that he was going to kill Randall Davis-Mercier and drove together to pick him up early in the morning of June 20, 2008. Paulson was hiding under a blanket in the back of the vehicle.  Once Mercier was in the truck, Paulson continued hiding, waiting to hear a code word.  When he heard Rice say the secret word, he started stabbing Mercier. 

Bearing as many as 20 stab wounds, the victim was able to flee from the truck and later died from his injuries.  Mercier’s body was found in a ditch near Paulson’s father’s home by Apache Junction Police and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. 

“Paulson committed a particularly heinous crime. Justice was served,” said Pinal County Attorney James P. Walsh. “This was a long and hard trial for the victim’s family and I want of offer my condolences.”

Paulson will be eligible for parole after he serves 25 years in prison. Pinal County Superior Court Judge Gilbert Figueroa conducted the sentencing and Pinal County Deputy County Attorney Greg Bizzozero prosecuted the case for the state.

For more information call Kostas Kalaitzidis at 520 866 6699 or 520 709 1333 or email at Kostas.kalaitzidis@pinalcountyaz.gov