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David Mota
The trial of San Manuel resident David Arnoldo Mota in what was called a deadly road rage incident in Oro Valley ended last week after jurors found him innocent of all charges.
Mota was charged with first degree murder, drive by shooting, and aggravated assault in the incident that occurred on Feb. 28, 2013 that resulted in the death of 22 year old Joshua Switalski. The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. when it is alleged that Mota fired two shots at Switalski’s vehicle after being involved in a verbal altercation with Switalski and his girlfriend while both vehicles were traveling north on Oracle Road near First Ave. in Oro Valley.
Mota’s defense attorney, Natasha Wrae, argued that his actions were justified. Switalski, she said, scared Mota by shouting obscenities and racial epithets at Mota and the passenger in his vehicle. Wrae contended that Mota shot his weapon only to scare Switalski and never intended to hit him.
The prosecutor, Deputy Pima County Attorney Bruce Chalk, pointed to the fact that Mota failed to call police after the incident as reason for his guilt. He also cited Mota’s fleeing to side streets as proof that the shooting was not in self-defense.
Mota’s trial began March 18. The jury returned the not-guilty verdict late Wednesday, March 26.
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