Murder-suicide investigation ongoing after fatal overnight shooting in west Phoenix

PHOENIX – A fatal shooting in a west Phoenix neighborhood early Thursday became a murder-suicide after the suspect shot himself as officers moved in to arrest him, authorities said.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 12:45 a.m. near 107th Avenue and Indian School Road, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Upon arrival, officers discovered 47-year-old Lori Ann Perez inside a vehicle suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Paramedics with the Phoenix Fire Department pronounced her dead at the scene.

Homicide detectives identified the woman’s boyfriend, 46-year-old Richard Benjamin Charles, as a possible suspect. Investigators determined Charles lived nearby and obtained a search warrant for his home.

The Phoenix Police Department Special Assignments Unit was called to the residence to execute the warrant. As officers entered the home, Charles shot himself, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

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