On February 4, 2022, 16-year-old Charisse Foster was found dead inside her family home in El Mirage, Arizona, during a welfare check near Dysart and Cactus Roads. Charisse, described as a White female who enjoyed hair, makeup, and horseback riding, was discovered alongside her nine-year-old sister, Charlotte. Authorities determined both girls had been shot and killed and that their father, 41-year-old Steven Foster, died by a self-inflicted gunshot; investigators classified the incident as a murder-suicide and closed the case after the primary suspect was deceased.

The family had lived in the neighborhood for about five years. Neighbors and relatives said Steven Foster had been seen as a loving, attentive parent, and the family reported he had been struggling with mental illness. Child Welfare records show a single prior unsubstantiated neglect report in 2015; at that time the children were deemed safe in their parents’ care. The community left flowers, teddy bears, and candles outside the home in mourning.

If anyone knew Charisse or Charlotte, or saw anything concerning the family before February 4, 2022, please come forward with information.