On the early morning of October 8, 2023 in north Phoenix, 19-year-old Daniel Windus shot his 54-year-old father inside their home.
After committing this act, Windus then turned the weapon on himself near a parked car outside their residence.
Authorities responded to the scene Sunday morning after receiving a 911 call from a distressed woman. She was later identified as the wife of the deceased, Preston Windus.
During her call, she informed 911 operators that her husband had been shot inside their home and she believed their son was the perpetrator. Upon police arrival, Daniel was found inside a vehicle in the driveway. The woman confirmed to the officers that her husband was also inside the house, unresponsive after being shot.
Officers from the Phoenix Police Department encountered additional challenges upon arrival. In her call, Mrs. Windus had alerted 911 about “possible hazards” present inside the house. This prompted law enforcement to approach the situation with heightened caution. Due to these potential threats, a bomb squad was dispatched to the residence. In the interest of public safety, neighboring homes were evacuated during the operation. After a thorough search, the bomb squad did not find any hazardous materials or devices inside the home.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement agencies are urging individuals with any relevant information to come forward. Their input could be invaluable in piecing together the events leading up to this tragic incident.
