Authorities in Arizona are investigating a tragic case in which a woman and her two young children were killed earlier this month, in what police believe was a triple-murder-suicide.
Officers responding to a home in Pima, Arizona, on Oct. 16 discovered the bodies of 31-year-old Justice Jones and her two children, 8-year-old Tyme Oates and 9-year-old Kyle Oates, according to reports from AZ Family and the Gila Herald.
Also found dead at the scene was Duane Jones, Justice’s father. Investigators believe he fatally shot his daughter and grandchildren before taking his own life, the outlets reported.
Police confirmed that all four died from gunshot wounds and that a firearm was recovered near Duane’s body.
Family Reaction
A relative, Breana Flores, told AZ Family that the night before the killings, Justice had posted a cryptic Facebook message.
“She put a post on Facebook and just said ‘good night’ with the weird slant emoji, so it was evident that something was going on,” Flores said.
“I just hope that all of them … I hope they were asleep,” she continued, “and no one had to see anything happen to the others or experience any fear before it happened.”
Flores added that family members were unaware of any mental health concerns involving Duane.
Community Support and Fundraisers
Two separate GoFundMe pages have been set up to honor the victims and help with funeral expenses.
One campaign, organized by Phillip Oates, described the children as “full of light, laughter, and love,” adding: “They deserved to grow up, chase dreams, and to feel safe.” The donations, organizers said, would help cover memorial costs.
A second fundraiser, organized by Flores, was created to assist the children’s father, identified only as Phil, as he manages funeral arrangements, missed work, and travel expenses during this time of loss.
