A woman who was supposed to graduate from the Master‘s program at Grand Canyon University was murdered by her ex-boyfriend before he turned the gun on himself. According to authorities, the murder-suicide occurred Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities told Arizona Family that the bodies were identified as Monet Newton, 24, and Chase Cooper, 22. According to family members who were in town , Newton was set to graduate from the university this week. Police told the outlet that the bodies were allegedly discovered by Newton's family when they stopped to check on the woman. Upon seeing the bodies, they called the police who responded to the apartment complex near 79th Avenue and Union Hills Road.
“This is a tragic event not only for our officers and investigators involved to have to see this scene; but just consider the family were the ones to encounter this family saw this and reported it,” said Glendale officer Moroni Mendez. “It has to be horrific for them.”
Officers stated that no other suspects are being sought at this time as the investigators have ruled it a murder-suicide. Despite the ruling, Investigators are still looking into the case they believe that the couple may have been dead for several days.
“We are aware of the incident, and we are working with law enforcement in their investigation. Resident safety and wellbeing are our priority, and our hearts are with the family of those involved," the complex said in a statement about the shooting. "Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, we cannot comment further at this time."
On Wednesday, more details about the pair were released which stated the couple had been dating for less than a year before breaking up a few days prior to the gruesome discovery. Police further stated that after Newton failed to show up at the airport or answer messages, family members grew concerned and went to visit her apartment along with friends.
“There was no signs of any kind of break-in because the family friend that responded first, they had to force their way into the apartment,” Jose Santiago, a spokesperson for the Glendale police, said. “I know that when family members arrived, they were trying to use a key, but there was a secondary lock on the door, so they were unable to enter. And at that point, the family friend had to use force to go in.”
"These situations are tragic all the way around when you have the loss of life in any way, shape or form,” Santiago continued. “But it’s even more tragic that this family was getting ready to celebrate something so special, something that she worked so hard for.”
Officials from Grand Canyon University stated that Newton received a bachelor’s degree in psychology at GCU in 2022 and was studying online for her master's in science in industrial and organizational psychology. Shortly after news of her death broke, the school issued a heartfelt statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Monet and her family during this difficult time," they said. "We are making counseling or support services available to anyone in the GCU family who knew Monet." Arizona Family also learned that she had worked with the Phoenix Suns who also issued a statement of support.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague Monet Newton," Stacey Mitch, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Senior Vice President of Communications, said. "She was a beloved member of our team, whose smile and joy touched us all. We will deeply miss her. Our thoughts are with her family and friends."
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