Tempe, Arizona, December 2, 2025
In a shocking turn of events, Tempe, Arizona experienced two fatal shootings in less than four hours, leaving the community in disbelief. The first incident occurred outside a Little Caesars pizzeria where two employees were killed, leading to the arrest of one suspect. Just hours later, another shooting at Tempe Marketplace resulted in the death of a man during a botched transaction. The local police are actively investigating both incidents, urging witnesses to come forward as concerns for community safety heighten.
Tempe, Arizona – Two Fatal Shootings in Less Than Four Hours
Fatal Shooting at Little Caesars
On Monday, December 1, 2025, two individuals were fatally shot outside a Little Caesars pizzeria in Tempe, Arizona. The incident occurred just after 9 a.m. at a strip mall near Rural and Guadalupe roads. The victims, 32-year-old Shaquille Simmons and 21-year-old Mary Visser, both employees of the pizzeria, were transported to the hospital in critical condition and later died from their injuries. The suspect, 27-year-old Benjaman Visser Jr., was detained at the scene with a firearm in his possession. Authorities confirmed that Benjaman and Mary were married. The Tempe Police Department is investigating the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Fatal Shooting at Tempe Marketplace
Approximately three and a half hours later, at around 11 a.m., a separate shooting occurred at Tempe Marketplace, a popular shopping center near McClintock Drive and Rio Salado Parkway. A man was fatally shot in the parking lot near RoadRunner Sports. The victim was with his girlfriend, meeting with the suspect to complete an online transaction when the shooting took place. The suspect fled the scene, and the victim died at the location. The Tempe Police Department is actively searching for the suspect and has not released any descriptions at this time.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
Both incidents have left the Tempe community in shock. Local business owners expressed concern over the safety of the area. The Tempe Police Department is urging anyone with information related to these shootings to come forward. The department has commended the swift and coordinated responses of officers who were immediately on scene and detained the suspect in the Little Caesars shooting. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to uncover the motives behind these tragic events.
Background Context
Tempe, Arizona, a city known for its vibrant community and bustling shopping centers, has experienced a tragic series of events with these two shootings occurring within a short time frame. The Tempe Police Department continues to prioritize public safety and is committed to bringing those responsible to justice. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and report any information that may assist in the investigations.
FAQ
What happened in the Little Caesars shooting?
On December 1, 2025, two employees, Shaquille Simmons and Mary Visser, were fatally shot outside a Little Caesars pizzeria in Tempe. The suspect, Benjaman Visser Jr., was detained at the scene.
What occurred at Tempe Marketplace?
Later the same day, a man was fatally shot in the parking lot of Tempe Marketplace while meeting with a suspect to complete an online transaction. The suspect fled the scene, and the victim died at the location.
Is there any information on the suspects?
In the Little Caesars shooting, the suspect, Benjaman Visser Jr., was detained at the scene. In the Tempe Marketplace shooting, the suspect fled, and no descriptions have been released.
What is the Tempe Police Department doing?
The Tempe Police Department is actively investigating both incidents and has urged anyone with information to come forward. They have commended the swift responses of officers at both scenes.
How can residents assist in the investigations?
Residents are encouraged to report any information related to these shootings to the Tempe Police Department to aid in the investigations.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Incidents | Little Caesars pizzeria near Rural and Guadalupe roads; Tempe Marketplace near McClintock Drive and Rio Salado Parkway |
| Victims | Shaquille Simmons and Mary Visser (Little Caesars); unidentified male (Tempe Marketplace) |
| Suspects | Benjaman Visser Jr. (Little Caesars); suspect fled (Tempe Marketplace) |
| Police Response | Suspect detained at Little Caesars; investigation ongoing at Tempe Marketplace |
| Community Impact | Local businesses and residents concerned; police urging public assistance |
Now Happening on X
- @FOX10Phoenix (December 1, 2025, 3:00 AM): Nightly roundup covers a juvenile accused of fatally stabbing a man in eastern Arizona and the arrest of a suspected arsonist for setting fire to a church, highlighting ongoing public safety concerns in the region.
- @12News (November 26, 2025, 2:37 PM): New details emerge about a deadly shooting near a central Phoenix apartment complex, where authorities are investigating the incident that left one person dead.
- @abc15 (November 26, 2025, 2:00 PM): A shooting in Phoenix has left one person dead and another hospitalized near 19th and Roosevelt streets, with police urging anyone with information to contact authorities.
- @SuddleyDuddley (November 25, 2025, 3:58 PM): Discussion of recent road rage killings, including a father and daughter shot dead in Phoenix, alongside similar incidents in Las Vegas, emphasizing the need for caution in the area.
- @12News (November 26, 2025, 1:51 PM): A man is dead and another seriously injured following a shooting near a central Phoenix apartment complex, with investigations underway to determine the circumstances.
- @KTAR923 (November 27, 2025, 2:49 AM): Police responded to a shooting in Phoenix where a man was found dead and another injured, as authorities continue to probe the double shooting incident.
- @FOX10Phoenix (November 25, 2025, 6:00 PM): Morning news brief includes an East Valley shooting investigation, underscoring recent public safety challenges in the Phoenix area.
- @azcentral (November 29, 2025, 7:45 PM): A man was found shot and killed during a welfare check in north Phoenix, prompting an active police investigation into the circumstances.
- @Oremus4Pacem (November 26, 2025, 5:19 PM): Reports on a deadly double shooting in central Phoenix that left one killed and one injured at an apartment complex, with police actively investigating.
- @abc15 (November 29, 2025, 6:32 PM): Phoenix police are investigating a murder after a man was found shot early Saturday morning in north Phoenix, as the community awaits updates on public safety.
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