GILBERT, Ariz. — Michelle Golden, who was shot and killed in her Gilbert townhouse on Wednesday, knew she was in danger.
She took out a court order of protection against the man, now accused of murdering her, months ago, public records show.
According to a report from police, the shooting happened at a townhouse near Gilbert and Guadalupe roads around 5:50 a.m. Officers found 31-year-old Golden dead inside one of the homes.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Preston Allen, reportedly left the townhouse sometime before officers arrived. He was found and taken into custody in Mesa around 7 a.m., police said.
Officer Levi Leyba told 12News that the suspect and victim were in a romantic relationship.
"The shooting was an alleged incident of domestic violence between Golden and Allen," police said in a release.
Court records show the victim had served an order of protection to Allen in August. The two allegedly had multiple incidents of domestic violence dating back to February 2021.
The victim's children were home at the time of Wednesday's shooting and told police that Allen allegedly threatened to "kill them all."
Two of the kids hid in a closet and one of them told police that Allen chased them into a bedroom, records show.
Police said the suspect allegedly fired shots at the child during the incident and the child was not injured. Once Allen exited the residence, the kids told police they locked him out and called 911.
People living in the townhome complex said they were in shock after waking up to police lights and crime scene tape.
"This is a tragedy," neighbor Sharon Hubbell said. "My stomach is still rolling with it."
Hubbell told 12News the victim lived in the complex with her four kids.
“She was such a good mother because they never complained at all. They were really good kids," Hubbell said.
Police assured nearby residents the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community.
“Very shocking and heartbreaking. Got emotional to think something so horrible happened to somebody and so close to all of us," another neighbor told 12News.
Allen is facing charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault.
The shooting is still under investigation, and police said they will provide more information as it becomes available.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Silent Witness:
Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.
The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.
Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.
Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.
Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.