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Judge Sets $500,000 Bond in Tempe Senior Center Assault Case

Court documents describe the attack as racially motivated based on statements the suspect gave detectives.

Overview

  • A Maricopa County judge ordered a $500,000 cash bond for Derek Carl Kirven, 62, with a preliminary hearing set for Jan. 16.
  • Police say Kirven attacked people inside Tempe’s Escalante Multi-Generational Center around 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 7 after being told a members-only area was restricted.
  • Court records state he admitted targeting white and Mexican people, used racial slurs, and acknowledged most victims were elderly and unable to defend themselves.
  • Six seniors were injured, including a hospitalized victim with a broken wrist, another with a severe broken nose, and others with facial and head injuries; a staff member was also hurt.
  • Security detained Kirven until officers arrested him, and he is jailed on multiple counts including aggravated assault, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage, with police reporting no ongoing threat.