A Phoenix neighborhood was impacted when 74-year-old Susan Morse was allegedly shot and killed by her son. The incident, as Fox 10 Phoenix states, occurred near 13th Avenue and McDowell Road on Wednesday. Morse was a renowned Raku artist and a beloved figure in her neighborhood, known for her hospitality and creative spirit.
The accused, 51-year-old Aaron Morse, currently faces charges of second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence, as per the initial court appearance details released yesterday. Next door neighbor Regina Elvove, who had been friends with Susan Morse for over two decades, remembered her saying, "She was just a unique individual. She was very artistic, very creative. She and her husband were internationally known Raku artists. She loved to cook and to entertain," in a statement obtained by Fox 10 Phoenix.
Neighbors remember how Susan, known as Sue, managed the loss of her husband about a year ago, after which her son moved in with her. According to court documents, Aaron called 911, reporting that an argument had escalated and resulted in him shooting his mother with a pistol. While the specifics of their relationship were not widely known in the community, Sue was remembered for her lively presence at gatherings like girls' nights, where, as neighbor Lauren Russell told Fox 10 Phoenix, they would "play games and eat little treats and do stuff like that."
Detailed accounts from Phoenix Police reveal that the response to the shooting call occurred around 2:03 p.m. on the aforementioned date. Responder’s located Susan at a home near 13th Avenue and Willetta Street with a gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital but unfortunately did not survive her injuries, according to KTAR News. As the investigation continues, Aaron Morse remains in custody. Officers managed to arrest him without incident.
