Crime
Murder-Suicide: Teens killed in Tonto Basin shooting after fight identified
Preliminary findings suggest that alcohol was a factor in the incident.
A second teenager has died following a tragic shooting in a remote area near Tonto Basin, Northern Arizona, over the weekend.
The victims have been identified as 15-year-old Easton Proffitt, a sophomore at Perry High School in Gilbert, and 15-year-old Colten Boyle, who resided near Payson.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office reported that a group of seven individuals, aged 15 to 20, was gathered at a home approximately 12 miles east of Tonto Basin on Saturday night. Authorities stated that all but one member of the group had been drinking.
At around 11 p.m., an altercation reportedly escalated, during which a 15-year-old shot another 15-year-old before turning the gun on himself. Both boys suffered gunshot wounds to the head.
One teen was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the other was airlifted to a trauma center in Phoenix. Despite medical efforts, the second teen succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon, according to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit is actively working to determine the events leading up to the shooting. At this time, it remains unclear which boy was the shooter and which was the victim.
Authorities revealed that one individual in the group was from the Phoenix metropolitan area, while the rest were residents of the Payson and Tonto Basin region.
The shooting occurred in a secluded area approximately an hour and a half northeast of Phoenix. The tragedy has left the community grappling with grief as questions linger about what transpired.
Statement sent to Perry High School families on Monday:
Dear Perry Pumas,
The administration, faculty and staff of Perry High School regret to inform you of the death of one of our 10th grade students, Easton Proffitt. As a community, we are grieving Easton’s death. Traumatic events can be difficult and, like adults, youth express emotions by grieving. Yet, youth may not demonstrate grief in the same manner as adults. The following information is provided for parents, guardians, and others who may find themselves in a position of guiding a youth through the grieving process. In addition, if your student needs extra assistance, the district’s crisis response team, school counselors and social workers are available to provide services.
Please know that our district crisis response team, school counselors and social workers are available now and throughout the year to help those who need assistance. Please contact us at (480) 224-2800 to be connected with a member of the counseling team.
Our thoughts go out to the Proffitt family during this difficult time of loss and grief, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Heather Patterson
Principal
Perry High School
Further information has not been released as the investigation continues.
A Shreveport woman is in custody following a fatal domestic dispute that claimed the life of her husband on Tuesday evening.
The Shreveport Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the 2900 block of Dee Street, located in the Anderson Island neighborhood.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Albert D. Lott Jr., 32, with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the shooter as Shaletha Lott, the victim’s wife.
According to police, the incident began as an argument between the couple. When Albert Lott Jr. reportedly asked his wife to leave, Shaletha retrieved a firearm and discharged a single round, striking her husband.
Shaletha Lott called 911 to report the incident and remained at the scene. She was later arrested and booked into the Shreveport City Jail on a charge of manslaughter.
The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has been notified, although police have not disclosed how many children were present or their relation to the couple.
Albert Lott Jr.’s death marks the 48th homicide in Shreveport this year, underscoring a troubling trend of violence in the city.
Investigators continue to gather information about the circumstances leading to the shooting, and further details may emerge as the case progresses. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information about the incident to contact law enforcement.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of domestic disputes and the importance of seeking help in situations of escalating conflict.