Married couple shot to death inside Peoria home; no arrests made

PEORIA, Ariz. (3TV/CBS 5) — A married couple is dead after they were shot inside a Peoria house on Saturday morning.

Police went to a home around 4 a.m. near 79th Avenue and Mescal Street, which is north of Peoria Avenue, after the wife called 911 saying she had been shot. When officers arrived, they found the husband and wife shot. The husband, identified as 52-year-old Walter Mitchell, died at the scene, while his wife, 42-year-old Susie Ephrem was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died. Peoria police say another family member was inside the house when the gunshots rang out. They were not hurt and talked to officers when they arrived.

Detectives believe somebody forced their way into the home and don’t believe this was a random act of violence. “Regardless of the reason that led to this, it could’ve just as easily been a wrong house, wrong place, wrong time. And that could’ve been my dad. That could’ve been my mom. So, it’s not a great feeling,” said Jennifer Nichols, a neighbor.

Police are still working on identifying a suspect, and no arrests have been made .“Our detectives are working tirelessly interviewing people, interviewing neighbors, interviewing family members, trying to get as much information as they can to put all the pieces of the puzzle together,” said Peoria Police Officer Kristopher Babros.

According to neighbors, the couple, who hasn’t been identified, moved into the house about two months ago. “I’m just sad that this has happened. It’s sad for the family, for the people involved in it,” said Joan Burtrum, a neighbor.

clarification: This story has been updated with the names of the victims released on Sunday 11/12/2023 by Peoria Police.

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