Michael Sanders, 53, is believed to be the gunman in the triple-homicide and suicide at a Phoenix home on Tuesday night. Sanders killed his wife Carol, his daughter Audra, and brother-in-law Tom Fitzpatrick.
Carol Sanders’ body was found burning in the backyard when police arrived, reported AZFamily.
Fitzpatrick’s body was found in the driveway and 14-year-old Audra Sanders’ body was found in the home.
The suspect was found dead around a block away from the home.
The incident was sparked after Carol, 51, attempted to leave the home after a court appearance; she filed a an order of protection against her husband before he reportedly shot her.
“I understand he had an order of protection put out against him, and it may very well be related to that,” Phoenix police Sgt. Trent Crump told AZFamily.
Michael and Carol Sanders were slated to appear in court on Tuesday morning, reported AZCentral.
Police dispatchers told the website they heard calls of shots being fired at a residential neighborhood near Tatum Boulevard and Thunderbird. They said they could hear shots being fired while neighbors were on the phone.
“I hadn’t seen a case that I can think of recently. I guess I’ve seen people burned, but...it certainly is a horrific scene,” Crump told Fox Phoenix.
Crump said that police were called to the home around a month ago after someone at the house was threatening to kill themselves.
