Murder Spree - Tempe Marketplace, AZ - 12/1/2025

Deadly Double Shooting Rocks Tempe Strip Mall: Two Employees Killed Outside Pizza Shop

TEMPE, Ariz. — In a shocking outbreak of violence that has left a quiet East Valley community reeling, two employees of a Little Caesars pizzeria were fatally shot in the parking lot of a bustling strip mall Monday morning, authorities confirmed. The brazen attack unfolded just after 9 a.m. near the busy intersection of South Rural Road and West Guadalupe Road, marking the first of two deadly shootings in Tempe within hours.

Tempe Police Department officials responded swiftly to reports of gunfire at the southeast corner plaza, where first responders discovered a man and a woman suffering from critical gunshot wounds outside the pizza shop. Despite immediate medical intervention, both victims succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital, police said in a midday update. The pair, whose identities have not yet been released pending family notifications, were described as longtime employees who were preparing to open the store for the day when the shooting occurred.

A suspect, who remained at the scene after the incident, was quickly detained by officers without further incident, according to authorities. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted but have not disclosed a motive or the suspect's relationship to the victims. Aerial footage from news helicopters revealed a grim tableau: yellow crime scene tape cordoning off the lot, scattered evidence markers near discarded shoes, cans, and what appeared to be a firearm, all under the watchful eyes of forensic teams combing the area.

Witnesses in the strip mall, home to a mix of small businesses and eateries, recounted a scene of sudden chaos. "We heard multiple pops—like fireworks, but we knew better," said one nearby shop owner, speaking on condition of anonymity as police canvassed the area. "It was before the shop even opened. Those poor folks didn't stand a chance." Another observer noted the suspect's eerily calm demeanor post-shooting, adding to the bewilderment gripping the neighborhood.

The tragedy compounded a harrowing day for Tempe, as just hours later, a second shooting at the sprawling Tempe Marketplace claimed the life of another individual near the RoadRunner Sports store along McClintock Drive and Rio Salado Parkway. In that incident, the victim was found with gunshot wounds around 11 a.m., and the shooter fled the scene, remaining at large as of Monday evening. Police have not confirmed any connection between the two events, but the back-to-back violence has heightened concerns over public safety in the college town, home to Arizona State University.

"This is a devastating loss for our community," Tempe Police Chief Kenneth Nelson said in a brief statement. "Our detectives are working tirelessly to piece together what happened, and we urge anyone with information to come forward." The department has established a tip line for witnesses, emphasizing that the investigation into both shootings is ongoing. 17GEN4