In a heartbreaking turn of events in Surprise, Arizona, a man and his two children have been found dead in what police believe to be a murder-suicide, according to ABC 15. The incident occurred Monday at a home near Litchfield and Bell roads. The 34-year-old father and his children, ages seven and six, were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds.
The chilling discovery came after the children's mother, who is in the process of divorcing the man, asked for a welfare check, having been unable to reach her children or their father. After being absent from school on Monday and with calls unanswered, her fears were realized in the worst possible way when the police made their entry. Through a treatment program for mental health, the father had been receiving care, signaling a man grappling with profound internal turmoil.
Further revealing the complex tapestry of this family's struggles, FOX 10 obtained court records that shed light on allegations made by the man's estranged wife. She had filed for an order of protection last fall, stating that he threatened to kill himself and had been abusive. The documents also indicate that the man believed his church and wife were under "Satan's control," and that he was speaking about "demons and cults."
Despite the harrowing details, steps towards normalcy seemed to be underway – the protective order was requested to be dismissed on May 1 as the divorce neared finalization. At a November hearing, temporary orders were established that prescribed medication for the father and allocated equal parenting time and legal decision-making to both parents. Uploaded to Facebook received a spear at his church on Father's Day 2023, a video showed the father — his involvement with the church was unmistakable, yet the church has declined to comment on the recent developments.
In the wake of the tragedy, the law firm representing the mother has refrained from commenting, while attempts to reach Mater's attorney for a statement have been met with silence. A motion for an emergency status conference concerning the family court case was filed just days after the event.
As the community, stunned by the tragic news, seeks to make sense of the senseless, resources remain available for those in crisis. Anyone experiencing mental health issues or distress can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line at any hour for support. Those facing domestic violence situations are urged to contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or other local resources for immediate help.
