WICKENBURG, Ariz. — The Wickenburg Police Department has launched a death investigation after a 39-year-old mother of two was found shot inside of her home.
Alexandria Millard was found with a gunshot wound in her home in broad daylight on July 10. She was at home with one of her children when she died. Family members tell 12News her child called Millard's boyfriend and he called 911.
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Since then, Wickenburg PD has been trying to figure out what happened. They're working with the Peoria Police Department Crime Scene Investigations team, the state crime lab and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office.
"It just doesn't make sense."
Millard's loved ones are devastated and shocked by her sudden death.
"Every day when you wake up, you pray that you get answers," said Stacie Cannard, Millard's aunt and godmother. "Every day when you go to sleep, there's no answers. And then you dream, and you're happy for at least the time that you're asleep, and then you wake up and it's real all over again. And it's just too much."
Millard was born in New Orleans but her family moved to Arizona when she was a baby. She was raised here and recently moved to Wickenburg. For nearly five years, the single mother has worked at Highgate Senior Living in Prescott where her mother works, too. She started as a server in the facility's dining room and worked her way up to clinical assistant.
She was known to dress up for every holiday and occasion. Colleagues say she would do anything to bring a smile to residents' faces.
“Alex was just very empathetic and took the extra time with all of the residents. I think she was always the first one to pick up shifts when we needed help," said Jennifer West, Highgate Senior Living's Executive Director.
Wednesday would have been Millard's 40th birthday. Her loved ones hosted a birthday party in her memory.
“Going through this and not having answers and not understanding what happened or why this happened, you know, we felt like everyone that loved her getting together and remembering her and celebrating her. It was so close to her birthday, it just felt like the right thing to do," said Nicole Chavez, Millard's close friend. “She was just a beautiful person who loved life. She loved her friends and her family immensely. She would have done anything for anyone.”
It's those selfless qualities that have made Millard's sudden death that much harder to process. Police say they are awaiting results from the crime lab and medical examiner's office.
Loved ones want answers.
“Have they given you any indication as to what they believe happened at this point?” asked 12News reporter Bianca Buono.
“They have given me the impression that they do not feel that it was suicide, so much so that they're investigating it and looking for other possibilities," Cannard said.
Loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page to help with the burden of funeral costs and to help support Millard's children. You can find the link the donate here.
"It just doesn't make sense," Chavez said. "We feel like there's more to the story and we feel like some justice is due for Alex."
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