Woman shot, killed by ex-husband at Desert Ridge Marketplace: police
Jessica Shukers and her daughter (file)
PHOENIX - A man allegedly shot and killed his ex-wife on Wednesday night at Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix.
What we know:
In a statement, Phoenix Police said officers were called out to the area at around 9:40 p.m. on June 18, following reports of a shooting.
"When officers arrived, they located an adult woman, identified as 39-year-old Jessica Shukers suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Shukers did not survive her injuries and died on scene," read a portion of the statement.
Ex-husband shoots, kills his ex-wife at Desert Ridge, PD says
On June 18, 39-year-old Jessica Shukers was allegedly shot and killed by her ex-husband, 38-year-old Justin Creed, at Desert Ridge Marketplace in north Phoenix. Creed has been arrested and is accused of murder. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach has the latest.
Police have identified the shooting suspect as 38-year-old Justin Alan Creed.
"The investigation established that Creed fatally shot Shukers before being detained by officers on scene," officials wrote. "This homicide is considered to be domestic violence as the victim and suspect were previously married and are now divorced."
What they're saying:
Those close to Jessica say she had never been happier or healthier.
"You know, what's my five-year-old little girl going to think? How is she going to take it.. and she's not going to have a mom," said Darrin Dice.
Shukers shared a 5-year-old daughter with Dice. He says she had gone through hard times in the past, but had recently turned her life around.
"She was beaming. I mean, she was absolutely beaming," Dice said.
Although Jessica lived states away from her daughter, they looked forward to daily FaceTime calls and seasonal trips.
"It just, it could not have happened at a worse time. It was like the highest point of our relationships. And it is just a tragedy," Dice said.
Tickets were booked for a trip to Missouri in two weeks, a trip Jessica will not take.
"Whitewater and Silver Dollar City and cave tours, and we were super excited about it," Dice said.
The backstory:
"Apparently he lured her out to give her this hand-delivered letter," Dice said.
Creed took off all of his clothes and waited for the police to arrive at the scene. They found him with a shotgun and a handgun.
Creed told detectives this stemmed from past issues and a child they shared together.
"What was the purpose of this? What was he trying to gain from this? You know, if it was about the mutual child, well, he was going to raise their beautiful child now? And it just, it's just insanity. It doesn't make any sense," Dice said.
What's next:
Creed has been booked into jail and is accused of murder. He's being held on a $1 million bond. His next court appearance is June 27.
Justin Creed (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)
What you can do:
If you believe you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text START to 88788. A live online chat is also available.
- Arizona Department of Economic Security - Domestic Violence Services
- (In Spanish) Arizona Department of Economic Security - Servicios de ayuda en casos de violencia doméstica
- City of Phoenix Domestic Violence Resources
Map of Desert Ridge Marketplace