Argument over impending divorce leads to apparent murder-suicide in Lake Havasu City: PD
A Lake Havasu police pickup truck is pictured in a file photo. (Lake Havasu City Police Department)
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. - Two people were found dead Saturday afternoon after an apparent murder-suicide inside a Lake Havasu City home, according to local police.
What we know:
Officers responded to the scene near Kiowa Boulevard and Coconut Grove Drive at around 1:45 p.m. on Aug. 1 after receiving reports of gunfire in the neighborhood. When they arrived, officers found two people who had been shot dead.
Dig deeper:
Investigators with the Lake Havasu City Police Department say that the shooting stemmed from an argument between a man and a woman about impending divorce proceedings.
"During the dispute, a physical altercation occurred between the male and his adult son, who was attempting to intervene and de-escalate the situation," police said. "Following the altercation, the male retrieved a shotgun from another room in the residence and shot the female multiple times. He then moved to a separate room within the home, where he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound."
The suspect was identified as 60-year-old Brian Smith. The woman was identified as 49-year-old Laura Smith.
What you can do:
Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Support in Spanish is also available. You can also chat with crisis counselors via online chat.
CLICK HERE for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide.
Police also ask anyone with information on the incident to call them at 928-855-1171. You can remain anonymous by calling Havasu Silent Witness at 928-854-TIPS.
Map of the area where the shooting occurred:
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from the Lake Havasu City Police Department.