Arizona Superior Court Judge Killed

Last night at approx. 8:30 p.m., Dept of Public Safety Officers arrived at the scene of a 2 vehicle fatal collision which occurred on SR 79 near mile post 121, which is approx. 12 miles south of Florence, AZ.

Through the course of the investigation, officers learned 2 vehicles were involved in the collision, a grey 1999 Land Rover which was pulling a boat & a Red 2005 Harley Davison Motor Cycle.

The Land Rover was being driven by 26 year old James Mathewson from Tucson & the Harley Davison was being driven by 50 year old John Gaylord from Chandler. Mathewson was traveling southbound on SR 79 & for an unknown reason, moved right off the roadway, over corrected, moved back left & his boat crossed into the northbound lanes & struck John Gaylord. Gaylord died at the scene, there were no other injuries.

The collision required DPS officers to close SR 79 in both directions for approx. 7 hours. Mathewson’s possible use of alcohol may have been a contributing factor & DPS is still investigating this incident.

John Gaylord has been a Superior Court Judge since 2000, he was most recently assigned to the Juvenile Court Division in the South East Regional Court Facility.

DPS Director Roger Vanderpool said, “We lost a friend & a true defender of America last night, from his days serving our Country as a United States Marine to serving on the bench, he will be missed”.

Presiding Superior Court Judge, Barbara Rodriguez Mundell said, “The tragic death of John Gaylord is a tremendous loss for his beloved family, the court, the legal community, as well as the children & families he served over the past 3 years, while on the Juvenile Court bench. There are countless troubled juveniles whose lives were redirected & rehabilitated by John’s strength, compassion & dedication”.