Arizona Mom’s ‘Weird’ Facebook Post Preceded Murder-Suicide That Claimed Her and Her Two Children
PIMA, Ariz. — A small Arizona town is mourning the tragic loss of a mother and her two young children, who were killed earlier this month in an apparent murder-suicide carried out by the woman’s father, according to police.
Authorities in Pima said they discovered the bodies of 31-year-old Justice Jones and her children, Kyle Oates, 10, and Tyme Oates, 8, on October 16 inside a family home. Police identified the suspect as 64-year-old Duane Jones, Justice’s father, who was also found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Tragic Discovery in Pima Home
Officers responded to the residence after a family member called for a welfare check. Inside, they found the bodies of all four family members — each dead from gunshot wounds. The firearm was discovered next to Duane Jones, police confirmed to the Gila Herald.
Investigators believe Jones shot his daughter and grandchildren before turning the gun on himself.
The shocking event has devastated the close-knit Arizona community and left loved ones struggling to comprehend the tragedy.
“I just hope that all of them … I hope they were asleep,” said Breana Flores, a relative of Justice Jones, in an interview with AZ Family. “I hope no one had to see anything happen to the others.”
A Cryptic Facebook Post Before the Killings
Family members said that the night before the tragedy, Justice posted a simple but unsettling message on Facebook: “Good night,” followed by a “weird slant emoji.”
“It was evident that something was going on,” Flores said. “It didn’t feel like a normal post.”
The family said they were unaware of any mental health issues or warning signs involving Duane Jones, who had no known history of violence.
Community and Family in Mourning
Loved ones described Justice as a devoted mother and her children as “full of light, laughter, and love.” Two GoFundMe fundraisers have since been created to help with funeral costs and memorial services.
One campaign, organized by Phillip Oates, the children’s father, said donations would assist with travel expenses and lost wages as he prepares to lay his children to rest.
“They deserved to grow up, chase dreams, and feel safe,” the children’s grandparents wrote on the fundraising page.
Another fundraiser launched by Flores will support the family with memorial preparations and grief support in the aftermath of the tragedy.
No Known Motive or Warning Signs
Police have not yet determined what led to the killings. Family members said there were no signs of conflict or instability in the household leading up to the incident.
Mental health experts say such cases often leave families desperate for answers. In some instances, unaddressed psychological distress or personal crises can lead to violent, impulsive acts that devastate entire families.
Community Offers Support and Reflection
In the wake of the tragedy, residents of Pima and Graham County have come together to support the grieving family through candlelight vigils, school memorials, and online tributes.
“We’ve lost three innocent lives,” one community member wrote online. “It’s a reminder to check on the people you love — even if they seem fine.”
Authorities continue to investigate the events that led to the murder-suicide, but police emphasized that no outside suspects are being sought.
Those affected by the tragedy are being encouraged to seek grief counseling through local services and crisis hotlines.
For continuing coverage of this story and community safety updates, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
