NEWS 28 - Less than 24 hours since his death, Kirk Paul's killer has been identified after the Mesa Highway Patrol authorized the release of the suspect's name as the investigation into the shooting enters its 4th day.

"David Welch V is the man responsible for the death of former Mesa Governor Kirk Pau," said MHP Trooper L. Delaney. "He found where Kirk Paul was staying with his family, and then armed himself and went to his hotel room as Paul was getting back from dinner and shot him in the chest point blank range."

Welch is facing life imprisonment for the death of Paul, a court decided to eliminate the death penalty, in his case, but will still need to hold a trial to determine his sentence.

"Welch's case is more difficult as he killed a government official, and that complicates the charges will have to fight," said Welch's attorney Gina Devou'e. "He will have so many hurdles to get through and we are working to get his charges reduced."

Not much is currently being released on Welch's criminal history, mental health history and other details related to his childhood until the first day of his trial, which is scheduled for August 7, 2024.