GILBERT, AZ — A 26-year-old Gilbert man has been arrested on charges of murdering his girlfriend early Monday morning, according to local police. Authorities said the suspect, Judah Chesley, shot the woman in the face and later turned himself in, revealing details of his actions to both law enforcement and family members.
Police were alerted to the crime shortly before 1 a.m. when Chesley, reportedly disoriented and under the influence of alcohol, called 911 after first contacting his father. In his distress, he confessed to waking up in a state he referred to as a “drunken stupor” and committing the act, though he claimed he could not understand or remember why.
Responding officers found Chesley at the residence with blood visible on his hands and clothes. A Glock 9 mm handgun, identified as the murder weapon and stained with blood, was recovered at the scene. The identity of the deceased woman, described as Chesley’s girlfriend, has not been disclosed as officials are still in the process of notifying her next of kin.
Interviews with relatives and those close to the suspect painted a picture of a man struggling significantly with mental health issues, especially exacerbated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Chesley’s father disclosed to police that his son had been reluctant to seek professional mental health care despite noticeable declines in his mental and emotional well-being.
Family members who were in the home at the time claimed to have been asleep and did not witness the shooting. They portrayed Chesley as prone to irritation and noted his possession of multiple firearms, raising concerns about his stability.
Further investigation revealed a volatile relationship between Chesley and the victim, marked by frequent disputes. In a prior incident, Chesley reportedly used a Taser on his girlfriend, escalating the concerns about their interactions. These accounts contribute to a complex background, suggesting a pattern of troubling behavior.
Following his confession and arrest, Chesley was booked on suspicion of second-degree murder. As of the latest updates, charges had not yet been formalized by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, pending further review.
The investigation remains active, with authorities examining the couple’s history and Chesley’s mental state as possible factors in the crime’s motivation. Despite his admissions, the specifics of the incident and additional potential charges are still under review.
As the legal process continues, Chesley remains in custody, with the case poised to explore issues of mental health, domestic stability, and legal responsibility in the coming proceedings. The community and the families involved wait for more answers as they deal with the aftermath of this tragic event.