Home set on fire in alleged murder-suicide at Prescott Valley home; 3 dead

PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ (AZFamily) — Police say a home went up in flames, and three people were killed in an alleged murder-suicide at a northern Arizona home on Thursday afternoon. Investigators say the blaze was intentionally set.

According to Central Arizona Fire and Medical, firefighters were initially dispatched to a “shots fired” call around 8:15 a.m. at a house on Yavapai Road, off State Route 69, in Prescott Valley. Callers reported that a woman was screaming for help, heard gunshots and a fire coming from the house.

As authorities arrived at the scene, smoke and flames were coming from the home and police heard gunshots.

Prescott Valley police officers began evacuating the surrounding areas as the house went up in flames.

Eric Merrill with Central Arizona Fire and Medical says the fire quickly spread since firefighters were unable to go inside initially.

According to Prescott Valley police, after the shots were no longer heard, firefighters were given the go-ahead by officers to begin battling the flames.

During recovery efforts, firefighters and Prescott Valley police officers found two women, ages 57 and 54, dead from multiple gunshot wounds. A 52-year-old man was found dead with a single gunshot wound. No names have been released.

Prescott Valley police say authorities believe this was a double murder, followed by a suicide. According to fire officials, investigators have since confirmed that the fire was intentionally set.

Winds were over 30 miles per hour, making it difficult for firefighters to control the blaze.

Firefighters worked throughout the day to clear hot spots. Roads were closed for the majority of the day but reopened later.

“The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) extends its gratitude to Gilbert Fire and Rescue for their support, especially to their ATF Arson Detection Handler and dog, Zeta, who provided valuable assistance during the investigation,” a CAFMA spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “CAFMA thanks all responding agencies and the Prescott Valley Police Department for their assistance.”

There are no outstanding suspects and no danger to the community. No police or firefighters were injured during the investigation.

This fire is still under investigation by CAFMA and the Prescott Valley Police Department.

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