A tragic shooting in Arizona has left a family devastated after a mother of seven was found fatally shot outside a neighbor’s home. Authorities confirmed that an agent with the state attorney general’s office was involved in the incident. Investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened during the confrontation that led to the woman’s death.
Arizona Mother Found Shot Outside Neighbor’s Home
The victim, Maria Lewis, 32, was discovered with a gunshot wound early on February 28 near the intersection of E. Kinetic Drive and S. Reliance Way in Mesa.
According to the Mesa Police Department, officers responded to the area after receiving a welfare check call.
When officers arrived, they found Lewis with a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Husband Describes Discovering the Scene
Lewis’ husband, Albert Mendivil, said he was inside the apartment with their seven children when he noticed police lights flashing outside.
He told local media he looked out the window, saw police vehicles and ran outside to see what had happened.
According to Mendivil, officers quickly pulled him back as they responded to the scene.
The discovery left him shocked and grieving.
State Attorney General’s Agent Involved
Police confirmed that DuLance Morin, 47, an agent with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, was involved in the shooting.
Authorities have not released details about exactly what role Morin played in the incident.
Investigators have also not announced any arrests related to the case.
Possible Altercation Before Shooting
According to Lewis’ husband, investigators told him there had been an altercation between Lewis and the neighbor at the residence where the shooting occurred.
It remains unclear how Lewis ended up at the neighbor’s home that night.
Mendivil said the neighbor claimed the shooting was an accident, but police have not confirmed that claim.
Officials say the investigation is still ongoing as detectives gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Agent Placed on Administrative Leave
After the shooting, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office confirmed that Morin was placed on administrative leave.
Officials said the move is standard procedure during an investigation involving a law enforcement employee.
According to the attorney general’s office, Morin has worked for the agency since February 2016.
The office stated it is cooperating fully with the Mesa Police Department and will also conduct an internal review.
Family Calls for Justice
Lewis’ relatives say they want answers and are calling for murder charges to be filed.
Family members have created an online fundraiser to help support her children and cover funeral expenses.
The fundraiser describes Lewis as a loving mother who devoted her life to raising her seven children, who range in age from 2 to 12 years old.
Her husband said the loss has been overwhelming for the entire family.
Community Grieving the Loss
Friends and family say Lewis was a caring and kind person who meant everything to her children.
Her husband described her simply as a great person and said he is still struggling to find words to explain the loss.
The tragedy has drawn attention across the local community as investigators work to determine what happened during the confrontation.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Authorities have not yet announced whether charges will be filed.
Detectives are continuing to collect evidence, interview witnesses and review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Officials say more information may be released once the investigation progresses.
