Chase Dunphy, 28, was killed outside his Tempe residence near McClintock and Watson Drives on the evening of August 19, 2023, after a dispute over loud music. The house was shared with several roommates; the man later charged in the case, Michael Aaron Coupland, and his girlfriend were moving their belongings into the home when the argument began. After an initial apology, tensions reignited when Dunphy reportedly threw and broke items inside the living room and then pursued Coupland outside with his fists balled.

Coupland fired a single shot from a pistol as Dunphy approached; the bullet struck Dunphy in the chest, killing him at the scene, and also wounded Coupland’s girlfriend in the hand as she stepped between the men. Coupland was arrested and booked on charges of second-degree murder and endangerment; he told investigators he knew Dunphy was unarmed and intoxicated. Friends and family described Dunphy as loving, optimistic, and free-spirited.

If anyone witnessed the confrontation or has information about what led up to the shooting, please share what is known.