Surprise, Arizona – A tragic incident unfolded in Surprise, Arizona, as a father and his two young children were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, police announced on Tuesday, May 21. The tragic discovery came after a welfare check was conducted at the residence of Brock Mater, 34, at the request of his estranged wife following concerns raised about the children’s unexcused absence from school.
The incident unfolded after Mater’s estranged wife was unable to reach him by phone and received no response after knocking on his front door. Neighbors reported hearing loud noises, which were initially dismissed as possible fireworks, but later turned out to be the time the tragic event occurred – believed to have taken place on a Sunday night.
Upon arrival at the scene just after 12:30 p.m., police attempted multiple forms of contact with Mater but received no response. Upon entering the residence, officers discovered the bodies of Mater and his two children with gunshot wounds to the head, alongside a rifle located across the father’s lap, indicating the tragic end was likely a murder-suicide.
Police Sergeant Rick Hernandez revealed that Mater had a history of mental health treatment and had sought help during the separation from his wife. Despite past incidents prompting police response for welfare checks related to mental health concerns, Mater did not have a criminal history.
In response to the devastating incident, Hernandez emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and the need for individuals experiencing crisis or mental health concerns to seek help. Resources such as crisis text lines and suicide prevention hotlines were shared to encourage those in need to reach out for support.
The tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for individuals to seek help when experiencing crisis situations. The community mourns the loss of the father and his two children, emphasizing the impact of mental health on individuals from all walks of life.