2 adults, 3 children found dead in apparent murder-suicide inside Phoenix home

PHOENIX (Arizona’s Family/Gray News) — A family of five was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide inside a Phoenix home Wednesday morning.

Multiple people have been found dead inside an Arizona home Wednesday morning during a situation involving hazardous materials, officials said.

Police, firefighters and the department’s hazardous materials teams were dispatched to a home just after 8 a.m. local time. Police and firefighters located two adults and three children dead inside the home, but didn’t enter for several hours over safety concerns over natural gas.

Just after 12:30, police reported that the house had been rendered safe and detectives were beginning their investigation.

Phoenix police confirm it is being treated as a homicide.

“This scene is a complete tragedy behind us,” said Sgt. Melissa Soliz with Phoenix Police Department. “Not only is this devastating to the first responders that had to respond and witness what’s inside, but this neighborhood is very close knit including the extended loved ones and family members that are related to this home and this residence.”

Soliz confirmed that the five dead inside had “obvious signs of trauma.” Phoenix police said they are not looking for a suspect but would not confirm if a gas leak was found in the home during the initial investigation.

Gas service was shut off at the home just before noon out of caution for investigators. Southwest Gas released a statement stating that no leaks were found on site after crews thoroughly inspected natural gas infrastructure at the home and surrounding area.

Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution for a short time, but police said later there was no danger to the neighborhood. Video from the scene showed multiple emergency response vehicles in the neighborhood.

Video from the scene showed multiple emergency response vehicles in the neighborhood.