A north Phoenix household near 40th Street and Sweetwater Avenue was the scene of a fatal incident on October 8, 2023, in which 54-year-old Preston Windus was shot and killed inside his home. Phoenix police say a 911 call from Preston’s wife reported the shooting and identified their 19-year-old son, Daniel Windus, as the possible shooter.

Officers found Daniel deceased inside a vehicle in the driveway and Preston unresponsive inside the residence. Preliminary information from the Phoenix Police Department describes the event as a murder-suicide: Daniel allegedly shot his father, then walked to the vehicle and took his own life. Homicide detectives processed the scene, nearby homes were briefly evacuated amid concerns about hazards, and the bomb squad responded though no hazardous items were found.

The Office of the Medical Examiner’s findings and investigators’ work on motive and full circumstances remain pending. If anyone knew Preston or has information about what led to this tragedy, please share what you remember.