Teen, 2 men and a woman killed in apparent murder-suicide in Phoenix
PHOENIX - A woman, two men and a teenager are dead after what police say was an apparent triple murder-suicide on Monday, Phoenix Police said.
They were all killed in separate, but related incidents in north Phoenix.
First, a man and woman were shot at a business near 27th Avenue and Deer Valley Road around 11 a.m. on Dec. 18.
"Witnesses told the officers that there was a suspect that arrived and then left. The man and the woman were treated by the fire department. The man was pronounced deceased on scene. The woman was transported to the hospital but later died at the hospital from her injuries," Phoenix Police Sgt. Phil Krynsky said.
The victims were identified as 49-year-old Sage Fitz and 62-year-old Carmen Buscemi.
As officers began searching for the suspect, their investigation led them to 23rd Avenue and Utopia Road. That's where they found the suspect's car in the driveway.
They got a search warrant to get into the home and when they stepped foot inside, they found the suspect, 53-year-old Bryan Fitz, and his teenage son, 12-year-old Baynen Fitz, both dead. A dog was also found dead.
Investigators believe the suspect killed his son before taking his own life.
Police say the suspect and the woman who was killed are believed to have been married, but were having marital issues and were separated.
"The motive appears to be over a marital dispute," police said in a statement.
Police say there are no outstanding suspects.
"As you can imagine, this is something that shocks the core to everybody involved. The community and especially the loved ones. Our heart goes out to all of them. The best that we’re going to be able to do from our end is to do a thorough investigation to get as many answers as possible. Thank you to the residents for their patience as we process all of this. This time of year makes it even that much more difficult," says Phoenix Police Sgt. Phil Krynsky.
Community mourns
A man named Kip Sudduth lives next door to the home where this all happened.
"The detectives came and said, ‘You need to get out of the house, something horrible has happened,’" he said. "We feel bad for him all of them."
Colin, a neighbor, understands this is a tragedy, and during the holiday season just adds another layer.
"It's really sad that happened just days before Christmas," he said.
Neighbor Torrey Penn is trying to wrap their mind around the loss of life.
"And just the fact that you had to take a dog and a child with you. If you want to take your own life, so be it. But why do you have to take a dog? Why do you have to take a child?
Man, woman die after being shot at north Phoenix business
Police are investigating a double shooting in north Phoenix that left two people dead.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 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. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org