PIMA, AZ – The quiet Pima community was shaken after authorities discovered four family members dead in what police believe to be a murder-suicide, including two children and their mother, inside a residence on Monday.
Pima police say officers arrived at the home around 1 p.m. after someone requested a welfare check. Upon entering the house, they found Justice Jones, 31, and her children, 10-year-old Kyle and 8-year-old Tyme, each fatally shot. The body of Justice’s father, 64-year-old Duane Michael Jones, was also found at the scene, a gun still in his possession, according to investigators.
Officials quickly sealed off the property and enlisted assistance from neighboring law enforcement agencies, including Safford, Thatcher, and the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The tragedy has left the small community reeling, as neighbors and friends try to come to terms with the loss.
Authorities have not released a motive for the violence, but early indications suggest Duane Jones fatally shot his daughter and grandchildren before turning the weapon on himself. Investigators have begun piecing together the final hours leading up to the incident, but details remain scarce as the probe continues.
Family members say there were no apparent warning signs that something was amiss prior to the tragedy. Those close to Duane Jones described him as not displaying any prominent mental health struggles, though relatives now question whether internal struggles went undetected.
In the aftermath, relatives recalled a cryptic social media post made by Justice Jones the night before her death. The post, reportedly reading “Good night” accompanied by a peculiar emoji, has drawn concern and speculation from family in hindsight, although nothing about it prompted alarm at the time.
Autopsies for all four victims are scheduled at the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner in Tucson to confirm the cause and manner of their deaths. Police have not indicated finding any other weapons at the scene, and no other suspects are being sought.
To support the surviving family, including the children’s father, online fundraisers have been established. Relatives hope the efforts will help with funeral expenses and offer some solace in the wake of the devastating loss.
As Pima residents grapple with the incident’s impact, local authorities are asking for privacy for the family, while continuing their investigation. The close-knit town is planning vigils and community support in remembrance of the victims.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing, with more information expected to be released once autopsy results are finalized and detectives complete interviews.