A destructive scene in Cave Creek
Things took a major turn for the worse at the Arizona home of former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema on August 30. While she was away, her former partner and onetime bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, allegedly went on a rampage that left her property in total shambles.
According to court documents, the 39-year-old Ammel allegedly demanded that Sinema post to X, threatening to destroy her artwork every 10 minutes if she didn't comply. Sinema, who is currently navigating an Independent political path, refused. By the time Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies arrived on September 3, they found about 22 paintings submerged in her pool and other pieces defaced with black spray paint.
The damage report
The destruction didn't stop with the art. Ammel allegedly smashed high-end liquor bottles throughout the house and even used them to shatter a large mounted mirror. Total damages are estimated to be over $200,000.
Ammel was arrested on September 19 and is facing a felony criminal damage charge. He was located at a behavioral health center following a petition for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation. During a recent court hearing, he reportedly did not appear before the judge because he was acting combative in the hallway. Ammel is an Army veteran who has dealt with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries from his time deployed in the Middle East. He has been released without bond but is currently under electronic monitoring.
The messy backstory
This incident is just the latest layer of drama in a situation that’s been highkey messy for a while. Sinema is already tied up in a lawsuit filed by Heather Ammel, Matthew Ammel’s ex-wife. Heather is suing under North Carolina’s “homewrecker law,” alleging that Sinema’s affair with Matthew—which reportedly started around 2024—ruined her 14-year marriage.
Heather is seeking over $75,000 in damages, claiming the relationship blossomed while Matthew was working on Sinema’s protection detail. Sinema has denied these allegations and requested a jury trial, which is currently set for October 22. It’s giving total chaos.
Why it matters
Beyond the headline-grabbing drama of the lawsuit and the destruction, this situation highlights the intense legal and personal scrutiny surrounding public figures. The intersection of a high-profile political figure, a civil suit regarding personal relationships, and a criminal property destruction case makes this a complex story that shows no signs of quieting down.
