Double Murder-Suicide Leaves 3 Dead in Phoenix Apartment

Police in Phoenix, Arizona are investigating a double murder-suicide which occurred at an apartment near 20th Avenue and Hadley Street.

The victims were identified Monday as Eric Sands, 38, and Danica Aikens, 29. Police also identified the suspect 24-year-old Taffari Celestine.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, they received a 911 call just before midnight on June 19 on reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Sands’ shot to death outside the apartment.

A witness claimed they saw someone force Aiken into the apartment and heard shots just after. Another witness who wished to remain anonymous said: “I heard screaming, yelling, ‘Please somebody help me,’ type of deal. Then I heard the gunshot. Wait, that’s way too close. That sounded like it was in my yard."

As police entered the apartment, they found Aiken had been shot to death and Celestine dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police believe Celestine was the ex-boyfriend of Aiken, and Sands was her current boyfriend. According to friends, Aiken and Sands moved into their apartment only two months ago.

Loved ones gathered Monday evening outside their apartment and are asking for donations to help Aikens’ daughter. You can donate by sending money to the username $LILBLOSSOM89.