EL MIRAGE, Ariz. — An El Mirage man has been arrested on suspicion of shooting and killing his ex-wife and mother-in-law in Sun City early Tuesday morning.
Around 3 a.m., a neighbor near Newcastle Drive and 111th Avenue called the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to report a man with a gun in their area, according to a report from the sheriff's office.
The caller told authorities that they heard a loud noise coming from an apartment next to theirs and went to check on their neighbors. When they approached, reportedly saw a man with a gun standing in the doorway.
MCSO said the man, later identified as 60-year-old Robert McGrath, then pointed the gun at the caller and ordered them to get on the ground, threatening to shoot them if they moved. When Robert McGrath went back into the apartment, the caller fled to call police.
When deputies arrived, they heard a voice yelling for help from inside the apartment.
Inside, they found Robert McGrath's ex-wife, 53-year-old Marcia McGrath, seriously injured and her mother, 77-year-old Thea Merlino, dead. Both women had been shot.
First responders rushed Marcia McGrath to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.
Before her death, Marcia McGrath was able to tell authorities it was her ex-husband who shot her and provided them with his address, according to court documents.
Court records reveal Marcia McGrath filed a police report in the weeks prior to the incident after her husband threatened to kill her.
“This case does also involve a violation of a prior court order not to physically abuse or threaten the victim in this case, which as alleged occurred shortly after that court order was issued," a state prosecutor said.
Marcia McGrath filed for divorce one week before she died, according to records.
“When somebody gets ready to leave, that is the most dangerous time," Chrysalis CEO Patricia Klahr said.
Klahr, an advocate for domestic violence survivors said abuse comes in different forms.
She encourages everyone to learn the signs that someone might be in danger, and to support them if a loved one asks for help.
“It’s really important to know a person does not have to do this alone," Klahr said.
If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24/7 by calling the national hotline 800-799-7233.
Click here for a full list of victim resources in Maricopa County.
“I was surprised. It’s shocking," Debbie Fiore, a neighbor of Robert McGrath, said.
Detectives found and arrested Robert McGrath at his home in El Mirage "without incident," MCSO said. Inside the home, detectives found live ammunition that matched the spent casings found at the apartment, court documents state.
Neighbors said McGrath typically kept to himself.
“Very private, very recluse. Didn’t come out and talk to people too much," Luis Gastelum said.
He is now facing two first-degree murder charges, two kidnapping charges, one burglary charge, and other related charges.
"Our thoughts continue to be with the victims’ family members. I would like to commend the brave actions of the community members for their observations and courage in swiftly reporting this tragic incident" said Sheriff Russ Skinner. "I would also like to recognize our communications staff, deputies, and detectives for their immediate response, investigative follow-through, and apprehension of this dangerous suspect."
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