Woman accused of killing her mother in Scottsdale identified by police

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (FOX 10) -- Scottsdale Police officials said Monday afternoon that a suspect is in custody, after the death of a woman.

According to police, the incident happened near 65th Street and Osborn. At around 2:00 p.m. Monday, 911 dispatchers received a call from a person living in the area, saying her neighbor asked her to call the police. The suspect, identified by Scottsdale Police Monday night as 46-year-old Holly Brennan, later told police she killed her mother after the neighbor handed the phone over to Brennan.

Scottsdale Police officials said when officers arrived at the scene, they found Brennan in front of her apartment. Brennan later told officers she killed her mother, identified as 79-year-old Sharon Simmons, by smothering her with a pillow. Simmons'; body was found in a bedroom.

According to police, Brennan lived with Simmons, and there has been a history of domestic violence between the two in the past.

Neighbors talked about the incident on Monday, in utter disbelief at what happened.

"Just floored," said Mike Bennett. "She was just a sweet lady. The lady was just a beautiful older woman. Her daughter lived there, but she didn't seem to be the friendliest."

Brennan, according to Scottsdale Police officials, will face first-degree murder charges.