An Arizona family is mourning the loss of a 32-year-old mother who was found fatally shot outside a neighbor’s home in Mesa. The tragic incident happened early in the morning while her husband and seven children were inside their apartment nearby. Authorities say an agent from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office was involved in the shooting, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Mother Found Shot Outside Neighbor’s Home
Police responded early on February 28 to a welfare check call at a residence near the intersection of East Kinetic Drive and South Reliance Way in Mesa, Arizona.
According to the Mesa Police Department, officers arrived at the scene and found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. The woman was later identified as 32-year-old Maria Lewis.
Despite emergency response efforts, Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that 47-year-old DuLance Morin, an agent with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, was involved in the shooting.
Husband Discovers Scene After Seeing Police Lights
Lewis’ husband, Albert Mendivil, said he was inside their apartment with their seven children when he noticed flashing police lights outside.
In an interview with a local news station, Mendivil said he ran outside to see what was happening.
When he reached the area, he saw police activity and his wife’s body near a neighbor’s home before officers pulled him back from the scene.
He said the moment was shocking and heartbreaking for him and his family.
Altercation Reportedly Occurred Before Shooting
According to Mendivil, investigators told him there had been an altercation between Lewis and the neighbor before the shooting happened.
However, it remains unclear why Lewis was at the neighbor’s residence or what exactly led to the confrontation.
Mendivil said the neighbor reportedly claimed the shooting was accidental, though authorities have not confirmed that claim.
Police have not yet released detailed information about what occurred before the fatal shooting.
Attorney General’s Office Employee Placed on Leave
Officials confirmed that DuLance Morin has been employed by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office since February 2016.
Following the incident, Morin was placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office said the agency is cooperating fully with the Mesa Police Department’s investigation and will also conduct an internal review.
So far, Morin has not been arrested, and no charges have been announced.
Family Calls for Justice
Lewis’ family is now demanding answers and has called for murder charges to be filed in connection with the shooting.
A GoFundMe page created by relatives describes Lewis as a loving mother who raised seven children ranging in age from 12 years old to just 2 years old.
Her death has left her husband and children facing a heartbreaking loss.
Speaking about his wife, Mendivil said he is still struggling to process what happened.
He described Lewis as a wonderful person and said the family is currently at a loss for words after the tragedy.
Investigation Still Ongoing
The Mesa Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities say more information may be released as investigators review evidence and determine exactly what happened that morning.
For now, officials are asking the public to allow investigators time to complete their work as the case remains active.
