Three killed in murder-suicide, house set on fire

PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ – A home in Northern Arizona was the site of an alleged murder-suicide on Thursday afternoon, when three individuals lost their lives, and the house was destroyed by an intentional fire.

Central Arizona Fire and Medical initially received a distressing call around 8:15 a.m. of “shots fired” on Yavapai Road, off State Route 69, in Prescott Valley. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a woman plead for help amidst the sound of gunshots and saw flames engulf the property.

As local police and fire departments arrived, not only was the house in question ablaze, but gunshots were still going off. In response, authorities immediately began evacuating nearby homes for safety. The fire quickly accelerated as the responders couldn’t immediately approach due to the active danger, according to Eric Merrill of Central Arizona Fire and Medical.

Once the gunfire ceased, firefighters were given the ‘all clear’ by the police to start combatting the conflagration. Amidst the recovery efforts, local police and firefighters discovered two women, ages 57 and 54, and a 52-year-old man dead due to gunshot wounds. The identities of the deceased are yet to be released.

Authorities suggest that the incident was a double homicide followed by suicide, and fire officials confirm that it was an act of arson. High-speed winds at 30 miles per hour significantly impeded the firefighters’ efforts to control the fire.

Firefighters continued to work throughout the day, clearing hotspots and reopening roads later in the day after closing them for safety measures. Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority expressed their appreciation for the support provided by Gilbert Fire and Rescue, and the Prescott Valley Police Department. No additional suspects are being sought and there’s no further danger to the local community.

The incident is still under investigation by the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority and the Prescott Valley Police Department.