David DeNitto: Christmas party turns tragic as Arizona man fatally shoots 2 before turning gun on himself

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Police have identified the suspected shooter in a tragic double murder and suicide that occurred after a Christmas party on Sunday, December 24.

Phoenix police have accused 47-year-old David DeNitto of shooting two people and then taking his own life at a gathering in Arizona.

Officers were called to a home near Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road around 11.30 pm, according to local news station KPNX.

When the police arrived, they found 83-year-old Cynthia Domini and 47-year-old Maryalice Cash seriously wounded from gunshots. Police then found DeNitto inside the home with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

'An altercation occurred before the shooting'

The injured women were taken to the hospital however both of them died shortly after from their injuries.

Although police said they are still unsure about what led to the shootings, investigators have already learned some important details, according to a local news station.

"Early information indicates Cash and DeNitto were in a relationship together," Phoenix Police Sgt Melissa Soliz said and added, "There was a holiday gathering at the home and an altercation occurred before the shooting."

David DeNitto is the widower of former Maricopa County Attorney

DeNitto was the widower of the late Maricopa County attorney Allister Adel, who died at the age of 45 last year due to health complications.

She was commended for becoming the first female elected to the post in 2020, but a string of scandals marred her tenure, forcing her to quit in 2022. The couple have two children together. 

"It is impossible to comprehend a tragedy such as this. Words cannot adequately express the flood of sorrow," Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a statement after the shooting, as per reports.

She added, "I ask the community to join me in praying for the families affected and, most especially, Allister's children. I also ask that the community surround the families with love, kindness, and respect for the need for privacy."

Phoenix police said the investigation is ongoing and more information is expected soon.