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Widower of former county attorney Allister Adel suspect in Christmas Eve double murder-suicide

Phoenix police said that David DeNitto, 47, shot and killed two people before turning the gun on himself late Sunday night.

PHOENIX — David DeNitto, the husband of late Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel has been accused of shooting two people and then taking his own life at a holiday gathering late Sunday night.

According to Phoenix police, officers were called to a home near Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road around 11:30 p.m. 

When police arrived, they found Cynthia Domini, 83, and Maryalice Cash, 47, both suffering from gunshot wounds. DeNitto was found dead inside the home with what police believe is a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Domini and Cash were taken to the hospital where they died from their injuries.

Investigators think that Cash and DeNitto were in a relationship together and an "altercation" happened at a holiday gathering before the shooting took place.

Neighbors told 12News they heard the gunshots at what appeared to be a holiday gathering.

One neighbor, Mark Hopper, said he was surprised to see it happen in his neighborhood.

"It can happen anywhere, anytime, but Christmas Eve is really unfortunate," Hopper said.

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell released the following statement:

“It is impossible to comprehend a tragedy such as this. Words cannot adequately express the flood of sorrow. I ask the community to join me in praying for the families affected and, most especially, Allister’s children. I also ask that the community surround the families with love, kindness, and a respect for the need for privacy.”

The shooting is still under investigation and details are subject to change.

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