Santan Sun News Staff
Two men have pleaded guilty to killing a Chandler man last year after a dispute involving payment for female escorts.
Matthew Vacaneri, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder on July 18 in Superior Court for the death of 29-year-old German Medina.
The victim sustained a fatal gunshot wound on Oct. 21, 2018 at his residence on Dakota Street. Authorities say Vacaneri and 19-year-old Joseph Cabarello arrived at Medina’s residence to sell the services of two women.
During the transaction, the men began to argue over the price Medina would have to pay for the women’s services.
A physical fight ensued that ended with Cabarello pulling out a handgun and pointing it at Medina.
Vacaneri then grabbed the gun from Cabarello and fired it at Medina’s chest, according to the Chandler Police Department. Vacaneri and Cabarello then fled the scene with the two women.
Authorities apprehended Vacaneri and Cabarello later that evening and were booked into the Maricopa County jail. Cabarello initially told investigators they had acted in self-defense, public records show.
Vacaneri’s offense carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, but his plea deal limits his sentence to no more than 18 years.
Vacaneri additionally pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct involving weapons since he’s not authorized to handle a firearm. Court records show Vacaneri has several prior felony convictions.
Cabarello pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and has agreed to serve anywhere between five and seven years in the state Department of Corrections.
Both defendants will be sentenced Aug. 19.
