A quiet Arizona community has been left reeling after authorities discovered four family members dead in an apparent murder-suicide last week. Police say a 64-year-old man fatally shot his daughter and two young grandchildren before turning the gun on himself.
According to the Gila Herald, officers from the Pima Police Department, supported by multiple agencies, responded to a residence on October 16, where they found four bodies.
The victims were identified as 31-year-old Justice Jones and her two children, 10-year-old Kyle and 8-year-old Tyme. The alleged shooter, Duane Michael Jones, was found dead at the scene with the weapon still in his possession.
Family members told KPHO that Justice was a loving mother devoted to her children. “I just hope that all of them … I hope they were asleep, and no one had to see anything happen to the others and didn’t have to experience any type of fear before it happened,” said Brenda Flores, a grieving relative.
Flores said the family remains in disbelief, adding that they suspect Duane Jones may have been suffering from mental health issues. “Because anyone with a sane mind, this isn’t something that you’d do,” she said.
Investigators have not released additional details about what might have led to the tragedy. Authorities continue to process evidence as the small Arizona town mourns the devastating loss.
Also Read: Florida Man Claiming to Be Trump Employee Threatens to Kill Police Officer After Hit-and-Run Arrest
