A woman has been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing incident that occurred in a Surprise church parking lot, according to local authorities. The Surprise Police Department, responding to the scene near 113th Avenue and Bell Road around 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, discovered a man lying face-down who was later declared dead due to multiple stab wounds, as reported by KTAR.
The deceased was identified as 28-year-old Tyrone Lee Wetzler, known to be residing with two other individuals on the Unitarian Universalist Church grounds after they were granted permission. The investigation led to the arrest of Kahpri Wells, 32, who was taken into custody while leaving her mother's home in a rideshare, FOX 10 Phoenix detailed. Though none indicated shell casings, crew video of the scene showed evidence markers scattered across the parking lot.
In the wake of detailed questioning by detectives, Wells allegedly confessed to an argument with Wetzler on Monday night that escalated, resulting in her stabbing the victim and subsequently fleeing the area. "One of the female individuals with Wetzler, 32-year-old Kahpri Wells, admitted to detectives she had a fight with the victim the night before. Wells further admitted to stabbing Wetzler at the church during the altercation and then fleeing the scene," stated Surprise Police in comments obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Following her arrest, Wells faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Having met only a week before, a bond of $1 million was established for Wells, who, per court documents, and Wetzler were described as friends that had a disagreement over music volume before the fatal incident happened. In his interview with detectives, the man, who admits to memory issues and takes medication for mental health, told police, "came to him as he was laying down and said that she thought she hurt [Wetzler], and that they needed to pack up and leave," as described in court documents covered by FOX 10 Phoenix.
As the investigation continues, Surprise Police are urging anyone with further information about the incident to come forward and provide their account by calling (623) 222-TIPS (8477).
