TEMPE, AZ – The Christmas Eve tragedy in Arizona reportedly involved the widower of a former state prosecutor shooting dead his girlfriend and her mother before committing suicide, according to police and multiple news reports.
David DeNitto, 47, is suspected of taking the lives of Maryalice “Molly” Cash, 47, and Cindy Domini, 83, at his residence. Afterward, he took his own life with a gunshot wound. Both Cash and Domini succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, while DeNitto was declared dead at his home.
Before the fatal shooting, an altercation at a holiday gathering at the same home raised tensions, according to the police sources. The circumstances surrounding whether other people were present at the time of the shooting remain unclear.
DeNitto was the widower of Allister Adel, who served as the prosecutor for Maricopa County beginning in 2019. Following a brain hemorrhage in 2020, and a history of alcohol abuse and eating disorders, Adel stepped down from her position in 2022 and died one month later.
In response to the tragic incident, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell called on the community to comfort the affected families and respect their need for privacy. She especially mentioned the necessity of respect toward Adel’s children, who are now orphaned.
Cash and Domini, known for their love for sports, often watched Phoenix Suns and Arizona Cardinals play at a local bar. Friends of Cash have started a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses for Cash and Domini. At present, donations exceeding $18,000 have been received, set to assist the Domini family with funeral costs and life celebration events for both victims.