PHOENIX, AZ – A holiday gathering in Phoenix, Arizona, ended in a horrific tragedy as three individuals, including the alleged shooter, were found dead late Sunday night. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
The Phoenix Police Department identified the shooter as 47-year-old David DeNitto. DeNitto is suspected of fatally shooting two women before turning the gun on himself at a Christmas party near Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road.
Upon arriving at the scene around 11:30 PM, officers discovered Cynthia Domini, 83, and Maryalice Cash, 47, gravely injured from gunshot wounds. DeNitto was found inside the house, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The two women were rushed to the hospital but succumbed to their injuries shortly after.
While the motive behind the shootings remains unclear, investigators have uncovered some significant details. Phoenix Police Sgt. Melissa Soliz revealed that Cash and DeNitto were romantically involved. She also mentioned an altercation at the holiday gathering prior to the shooting.
DeNitto was the widower of the late Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel, who passed away last year at 45 due to health complications. Adel was the first woman elected to the position in 2020, but her tenure was marred by multiple controversies, leading to her resignation in 2022. DeNitto and Adel are survived by their two children.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed her grief over the tragic incident, requesting the community’s prayers for the affected families and respect for their privacy. The Phoenix Police Department continues its investigation into the incident, with more information expected to be released soon.