PHOENIX, AZ – A festive gathering turned deadly in Phoenix, Arizona, when three people, including the alleged gunman, were found dead following a Christmas party on Sunday night. The incident has left a profound impact on the local community.
David DeNitto, 47, has been identified by Phoenix law enforcement as the suspected shooter in this grim incident. He allegedly shot two women at a holiday party near Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road, before taking his own life.
Upon their arrival at the scene around 11:30 PM, police discovered Cynthia Domini, 83, and Maryalice Cash, 47, critically wounded from gunshots. Inside the house, they found DeNitto, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the two women later died from their injuries.
While the cause of the shootings remains uncertain, police have shed light on some key details. Phoenix Police Sgt. Melissa Soliz confirmed that DeNitto and Cash were in a relationship. An altercation at the holiday gathering occurred before the fatal shooting.
DeNitto was the surviving spouse of the late Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel, who died last year at age 45 due to health issues. Adel was the first woman to be elected to the county attorney position in 2020, but her tenure was beset by controversies, leading to her resignation in 2022. DeNitto and Adel left behind two children.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed her deep sorrow over the incident, urging the community to pray for the affected families and respect their need for privacy. The investigation into the incident by the Phoenix Police Department is ongoing, with more details expected to be made public soon.