In December 2006, 18-year-old Ryan Waller and his 21-year-old girlfriend, Heather Quan, were attacked in their home in Phoenix, Arizona. Two intruders, Richie Carver and his father Larry Carver, broke in and shot both Ryan and Heather. Tragically, Heather was killed instantly, while Ryan survived but was left in critical condition.
Ryan’s parents became worried when he didn’t show up for Christmas dinner and called the police for a welfare check. When officers arrived, they found Ryan with severe injuries, including a gunshot wound to his face. His eyes were swollen black, and he appeared confused and disoriented. However, instead of immediately taking him to the hospital, the police interrogated him for hours. Ryan struggled to answer basic questions, often repeating that he wanted to sleep. He couldn’t recall important details, like his girlfriend’s last name, and gave inconsistent statements. He even mentioned that the intruders had used a bow and arrows before correcting himself and stating they had revolvers.
The officers did not believe Ryan at first. One officer even doubted that he had been shot with a real gun, suggesting that a revolver shot would have killed him instantly. Eventually, the police noticed an entry and exit wound on his face and decided to send him to the hospital. Unfortunately, Ryan had already been without medical care for six hours, leading to serious complications.
Doctors at the hospital had to remove part of Ryan’s brain and his left eye due to the damage caused by the bullet. He remained in the hospital for 35 days and later developed seizures, which continued for the rest of his life. He passed away in January 2016 at the age of 27 from complications related to his injuries.
Ryan’s father sued the Phoenix Police Department for their mishandling of the case. The detective who interrogated Ryan faced charges for tampering with evidence and fabricating details about the case. Richie Carver was convicted in 2008 and sentenced to life in prison, while Larry Carver was found guilty in 2013 and received a life sentence plus 21 years.
Following Heather’s murder, her family pushed for changes in the law. Their efforts led to the creation of ‘Heather’s Law,’ which prevents spouses from refusing to testify against their partners in serious crimes. This law helped ensure justice for Heather and Ryan, bringing accountability to those responsible.
