Death sentence for killer of Marana couple upheld

Michael Carlson was convicted in 2012 on two counts of first-degree murder in the 2009 deaths of Rebecca Lou Lofton, 52, and Kenneth “KR” Alliman, 49. He was sentenced to death for the killings.

Carlson, 58, also was convicted on two counts of kidnapping and sentenced to consecutive 21-year prison terms.

Following his arrest, Carlson contacted a local television news reporter who interviewed him about the crimes. During that interview he admitted to kidnapping and killing the victims, along with the murders of eight other people.

The prosecution used contents of the interview as evidence in the trial.

On appeals, Carlson’s attorneys argued the confessions should not have been allowed in evidence at trial for lack of proof, particularly lack of proof on the other slayings.

The justices, however, ruled the use of the interview was valid because police would have been able to link Carlson to Lofton’s kidnapping based on blood evidence found in his car.

Also because Lofton and Alliman were a couple and went missing at the same time.

Carlson had been living in an RV on the same rural property on Trico Road as the victims.

At trial, Carlson’s attorneys argued he confessed to the reporter only to avoid being sent to Texas where he was wanted on parole violations in connection with an armed robbery conviction.

Carlson also contested consecutive 21-year sentences on the kidnapping convictions and that the court provided improper jury instructions at trial, among other arguments.

Justices denied all of Carlson’s arguments and confirmed his death sentence and the two 21-year sentences.

Arizona has 118 inmates on death row, 23 of those were convicted in Pima County.