Pima County Superior Court Judge Charles Sabalos couldn’t help but notice the cruel irony of Robert Leighton’s tattoos Monday when he sentenced him to life in prison.
Sabalos pointed out Leighton, 26, was sporting tattoos that read “You’ll never get out alive” and “Don’t take life too seriously” when he “bashed in the brains” of Rosario Maria Morey, 37.
He may not have taken life too seriously that day in August 2008, Sabalos told Leighton, but he bets he takes his own life seriously now.
Morey died Aug. 20, 2008, after being struck seven to 11 times in the head during a burglary committed by Leighton, his brother, Christopher, and Zachary Roesch.
According to court testimony, Christopher Leighton, 24, drugged Morey and then tied her up with Roesch’s help during a robbery.
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Every time Morey woke up, Christopher Leighton and Roesch struck her in the head, according to testimony.
After Roesch left, Robert Leighton helped his brother steal more items before eventually realizing Morey had died from her injuries.
The jury convicted Robert Leighton of first-degree, felony murder because Morey died during the commission of a robbery.
Christopher Leighton and Roesch pleaded guilty to manslaughter and second-degree burglary and are serving 25 and 18 years, respectively.
Robert Leighton turned down an identical plea agreement. He will become eligible for release after serving five years in an unrelated case and after serving 25 years on the murder charge.
Roesch told authorities they stole a roll of quarters, enough marijuana to roll a single joint and “junk” they ended up throwing away.
Contact reporter Kim Smith at 573-4241 or kimsmith@azstarnet.com
