North Phoenix, January 20, 2026
A married couple was tragically found dead in their North Phoenix home, suspected to be a murder-suicide. Authorities identified the deceased as Sam and Celestina Ertebati, with their two children present but unharmed during the incident. Investigations continue as detectives seek to understand the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Phoenix
Married Couple Found Dead in Suspected Murder-Suicide in North Phoenix
A married couple was found dead in their North Phoenix home on Sunday evening, January 18, 2026, in what police are investigating as a suspected murder-suicide. Authorities identified the deceased as 42-year-old Sam Ertebati and 42-year-old Celestina Ertebati. Two children were present inside the home at the time of the incident but were unharmed and did not witness the shooting.
The Phoenix Police Department reported that officers responded to a call of unknown trouble at approximately 5:15 p.m. near Interstate 17 and Bell Road. Upon arrival, officers located a man and a woman inside the residence, both with apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, but both victims were pronounced dead.
Investigation Details
Preliminary information gathered by police suggests that Celestina Ertebati fatally shot her husband, Sam Ertebati, before turning the gun on herself. The incident is believed to have been isolated to the family home, with authorities stating there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding neighborhood.
The children, fortunately, were not physically harmed and did not witness the tragic event. The Department of Child Safety promptly intervened, and the children have since been placed in the care of relatives. Victim services are offering counseling and support to ensure the children’s well-being following the traumatic loss of their parents.
Ongoing Inquiry
The Phoenix Police Department continues to investigate the full circumstances and potential motives surrounding the deaths of Sam and Celestina Ertebati. Detectives are working to piece together the details of the incident, and the case remains open as authorities work to finalize their findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in North Phoenix on Sunday evening?
A married couple was found dead in their North Phoenix home on Sunday evening, January 18, 2026, in what police are investigating as a suspected murder-suicide.
Who were the individuals found deceased?
Authorities identified the deceased as 42-year-old Sam Ertebati and 42-year-old Celestina Ertebati.
Were there any other individuals present during the incident?
Two children were present inside the home at the time of the incident but were unharmed and did not witness the shooting.
What is the suspected cause of death, according to police?
Preliminary information gathered by police suggests that Celestina Ertebati fatally shot her husband, Sam Ertebati, before turning the gun on herself.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Phoenix Police Department continues to investigate the full circumstances and potential motives surrounding the deaths of Sam and Celestina Ertebati. The case remains open.
What measures were taken for the children involved?
The Department of Child Safety promptly intervened, and the children have since been placed in the care of relatives. Victim services are offering counseling and support to ensure the children’s well-being.
Key Details of the Phoenix Incident
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | North Phoenix home, near Interstate 17 and Bell Road |
| Date and Time | Sunday evening, January 18, 2026, approximately 5:15 p.m. |
| Individuals Deceased | 42-year-old Sam Ertebati and 42-year-old Celestina Ertebati |
| Nature of Incident | Suspected murder-suicide |
| Police Hypothesis | Celestina Ertebati reportedly shot Sam Ertebati before shooting herself |
| Children Present | Two children were inside the home, unharmed |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by Phoenix Police Department |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
