By Jon Johnson
PIMA – The small Arizona community of Pima continues to reel in shock and grief following the confirmation of a heartbreaking murder-suicide that took the lives of four family members, including two young children, inside their home on South Main Street.
The Pima Police Department initially responded to a welfare check at 27 South Main Street just before 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16. Inside the residence, officers made the devastating discovery of four individuals deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. The PPD then called for help, and multiple area agencies, including the Thatcher and Safford Police Departments, assisted at the scene.
The deceased were identified as 64-year-old Duane Michael Jones; his 31-year-old daughter, Justice Jones; and Justice’s two children, 9-year-old Kyle Oates and 8-year-old Tyme Oates.
According to official autopsy reports released by the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, Duane Michael Jones died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His manner of death has been ruled a suicide.
Justice Jones and her children, Kyle and Tyme, each succumbed to gunshot wounds to the head, with their manners of death classified as homicide. Toxicology reports for all four individuals returned clean.
A firearm was recovered at the scene in Duane Jones’ hand, and investigators have stated there is no evidence of any additional suspects. The case remains under investigation, but authorities believe the incident was contained to the family and poses no ongoing threat to the public.
The loss of two young children and their mother, alongside the family’s patriarch, has left residents of Pima struggling to comprehend the tragedy. Local leaders and law enforcement have asked the community to respect the privacy of those grieving while offering support, however possible.
In a statement issued shortly after the discovery, the Pima Police Department extended its deepest condolences.
“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and the entire community affected by this unimaginable loss.”
Counseling resources and crisis support are available through local schools and community organizations for anyone affected by this tragedy.
Anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide or in need of emotional support is urged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 (call or text) or to reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental-health professional. You are not alone.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created to help with the financial burden to the children’s father.
