On December 31, 1980, a New Year’s Eve gathering in Phoenix ended in a deadly, targeted attack. Seventy-year-old Helen Genevieve Phelps was at the Redmond home with her daughter Marilyn and son-in-law William Pat Redmond when three armed men forced their way in. The intruders corralled the family into the master bedroom, bound their hands, and made Helen, Marilyn, and William lie on the bed. Both William Redmond and Helen Phelps were shot in the back of the head; Marilyn Redmond was shot and survived.

What first looked like a robbery—some cash and jewelry were taken—was later revealed to be a murder-for-hire scheme aimed at seizing a printing business co-owned by William Redmond and his partner. The three attackers were identified as Murray Hooper, William Bracy, and former Phoenix police officer Edward Lonzo McCall. The investigation tied the killings to allegations that a Tempe businessman, Robert Charles Cruz, had arranged the plot, and Joyce Lukezic, the partner’s wife, was also implicated.

The three triggermen were convicted for their roles in the killings. If anyone knew Helen or has information about the case, please come forward.