Brandon Scott Smith, 50, was shot and killed in his North Phoenix home in the early morning hours of March 21, 2021. Their 14-year-old daughter was awakened by gunfire and found her father on the floor with a gunshot wound while her mother held a rifle. Brandon called 911 and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The family’s dog was also found fatally shot in the living room. Diane Smith was taken into custody and later charged with second-degree murder, cruelty to animals, and endangerment.

Family members reported a history of mental health struggles for Diane Smith and said they had previously tried to have her committed and had filed police reports expressing concern for Brandon’s safety. Diane told investigators she believed Brandon and his family were conspiring to kill her and that she thought she had shot two intruders attempting to break into the home. The couple’s daughter now faces the loss of both parents in a single traumatic event.

Does anyone have information about the family’s dynamics or the lead-up to this shooting that could help clarify what happened?