Mesa mother accused of shooting her son at their home
Residents stunned by shooting of Mesa man
The shooting happened on the night of May 17, and the suspect has been identified as the victim's mother. Authorities say they believe the shooting happened following an argument over video games, and FOX 10's Lauren Clark has more.
MESA, Ariz. - Authorities in Mesa say a 72-year-old is behind bars for allegedly shooting her son, following an argument over video games.
What we know:
The shooting happened around 9:00 p.m. on May 17. Officers say a 38-year-old man was found shot in the stomach and was taken to the hospital.
The victim reportedly went for a walk and when he returned, his mother tried to stop him from re-entering the home. The mother, identified as 72-year-old Hazel Benson, told police he lunged at her with raised fists, and that's when she opened fire.
Hazel Benson
Benson allegedly told police she was upset with her son for being too loud while he played video games. Police also said Benson admitted to shooting her son and throwing the gun in the canal.
The victim is reportedly in stable condition at the hospital. Benson, meanwhile, is accused of aggravated assault.
Neighbors react
As the investigation continues, people living in the area are reacting to what allegedly happened.
Local perspective:
"She kept her home always beautiful, you know?" said a person who lives next to Benson's home, identified only as Greg. "Never any incidents, ever before."
"I can't imagine his mother shooting him," said neighbor Chris Hammound.
Hammound said she heard the shooting on Saturday.
"I heard three gunshots," Hammound recounted. "Like, boom, boom, boom. It seemed like it was three in a row."
Soon after, Hammond saw police lights.
"It's just a tragedy," said Hammound.