Apache Junction teen witnessed murder-suicide of parents, police say
APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. - An Apache Junction man shot his wife before turning the gun on himself, and police say their 13-year-old son was the one who made the 911 call.
The boy called police at around 8 p.m. on June 12, telling officers that "his father just shot his mother multiple times" at a home near Tomahawk Road and Superstition Boulevard.
When officers arrived, they reportedly found the suspect with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and the body of his wife, who had also been shot. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Three kids between the ages of six to 13 were home when the shooting happened.
Flowers and signs adorn a bench at the end of the driveway which leads to the home where the deadly shooting took place. A neighbor says he heard around 7 gunshots Sunday night, but he initially thought they were fireworks.
The suspect is identified as Thomas Moore, 39, and the victim is Melanie Dixon, 38.
"We know this is going to be a tough time for him and his siblings, we do want to help his family to make sure they get the resources and counseling they need to move on," says Lt. Daniel Saldana with the Apache Junction Police Department.
The mother also leaves behind an older daughter and a grandchild. Police say the three younger children are being cared for by relatives.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line).
Help is available for those who are victims of domestic violence. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224). You can also text START to 88788.