GOVERNMENT
ADVANCING MARICOPA GENERAL PLAN UPDATE WILL GUIDE MARICOPA’S FUTURE
Lt. Elliott, who led the investigation, doesn’t consider it closed. Only on paper, she said. “The determination of the cause of death as a stab wound, with the manner of death ruled undetermined, reflects the complexity of the case,” she said. “Whenever you’re dealing with a situation where there was nobody who saw what happened, you try to piece it together. We explored all the possibilities, and sometimes it doesn’t have a clear answer, and I think that’s where we ended on this one. “If we received additional information that we could explore and investigate, we would certainly be interested in doing that and trying to solve the puzzle.” All tips and leads will be thoroughly reviewed and pursued as appropriate, she promised. Until then, the case will stay tucked away in a filing cabinet; lost to the world, perhaps, like Makaiel Michael Thomas. One year before this article was published — to the day — Maricopa police pulled Thomas over for speeding, somewhere in the city. Little did anyone know, the next time they saw him, he would be dead. Maybe, one day, we’ll know why.
time, the aside did not faze her. But what Lane said next would eventually take on a dark new meaning. “Ontwiel stated that he was teaching Makaiel to do anything to defend himself and grab a butcher knife, if necessary,” Rose-Richie recounted. Similarly, McFall told InMaricopa that he had a “suspicion about the actual brother who also lived in the home.” “He had something to do with it,” McFall said confidently. Lane has a different theory about how his little brother died. Although he agrees with one crucial assessment — Thomas was murdered. “It was Lawrence, the landlord,” Lane said during a police interview, according to a summary of the interview released to InMaricopa . He allegedly told Rose-Richie he was sure McFall had murdered Thomas, and that he had a video of the killing. This has never been substantiated. Lane did not respond to requests for an interview. And there are other theories. Jason Brown, a Dirk Street neighbor, said Thomas may have had a stalker.
Absolutely, they need to investigate it more. I 100% believe they should.” MARY T. DOS MARCOS, LANDLORD
In the six months leading up to his death, Brown saw a white man in his 40s park his dark gray sedan in front of the home several times, getting out of the car to photograph the house. Every person with access to the house was Black, including McFall, who did not send the man. Brown said he warned Thomas about “the photo-taking man,” and Thomas thanked him. He never talked to his neighbor again. ‘Not considered closed’ The landlords don’t think the authorities did enough. “Nobody ever got back to me on the results of that case,” said McFall. “I don’t know what happened to the brother…. I don’t know what happened to anyone.” Dos Marcos said: “Absolutely, they need to investigate it more. I 100% believe they should.” Det. McCullar closed the case July 12. But
What’s the General Plan?
Maricopa is growing, and so is its vision. The General Plan update will guide Maricopa’s future our community’s growth, economy, and quality of life for the next 10-20 years. From transportation and business opportunities to parks and recreation, this plan sets the stage for what’s next.
Why Now?
According to state law, Arizona cities must update their General Plans every 10 years, with voter approval. Maricopa’s current plan was ratified in 2016, so we’re starting the update to prepare for the 2026 deadline.
Take an Active Role in Your City’s Future
Innovative cancer care starts with the heart , not the head. At Cancer & Blood Specialists of Arizona , we provide diagnostic imaging, surgery, radiation oncology and medical oncology services for a truly comprehensive and innovative approach. With compassionate care that centers around you, every interaction is focused on your experience and well-being.
This isn’t just about plans and policies—it’s about you. Throughout the process, you will have opportunities to participate in community surveys, attend workshops and special events, or engage in our youth outreach programs.
Cancer Clinic 1281 E. Cottonwood Lane Casa Grande, AZ 85122 (520) 836-9800
To share input, subscribe for updates, view upcoming community meetings, and learn
more about the General Plan, visit www.Maricopa-AZ.gov/generalplan
Providing enhanced services such as diagnostic PET/CT imaging and TrueBeam ® radiation treatments.
Cancer Clinic 1281 E. Cottonwood Lane Casa Grande, AZ 85122 P (520) 836-9800 Surgery Clinic 580 N. Camino Mercado Suite 5 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 P (520) 876-0416
Surgery Clinic 580 N. Camino Mercado Suite 5 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 (520) 876-0416
Ramon Mourelo, MD
Samrat Sanghvi, MD
Carlos E. Arce-Lara, MD
Ronak Shah, DO
If you have project-related questions, email richard.williams@maricopa-az.gov or call 520-316-6921.
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InMaricopa.com | February 2025
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