The tranquility of a Peoria, Arizona, neighborhood was disrupted on the morning of Saturday, November 11, 2023, by a home invasion that led to the deaths of a husband and wife.

The victims, identified as Walter Mitchell, 52, and Susie Ephrem, 42, were assaulted in their home located near 79th and Peoria Avenues in Peoria.

The incident started around 4 a.m. with the forceful entry of an intruder into the couple’s residence. In a seemingly deliberate attack, Mitchell and Ephrem were both shot. Mitchell was pronounced dead at the scene, while Ephrem, although promptly transported to a hospital, died later.

The individual responsible for this crime remains at large. The Peoria Police are appealing to the public for information. The targeted nature of the invasion is being emphasized by the authorities, although the motive for this attack is yet to be determined.

The severity of the situation was captured in a 911 call made by Ephrem, who reported the shooting. Police officers arriving at the scene were met with a grave situation, finding both victims with gunshot injuries.

Neighbors said that Mitchell and Ephrem had recently become residents of the area.