Surprise, Arizona – A tragic scene unfolded in Surprise, Arizona, as a father and his two young children were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, authorities announced on Tuesday, May 21st. The incident came to light after the man’s estranged wife raised concerns about the well-being of the children following a weekend visit with their father.
Brock Mater, 34, was discovered deceased alongside his 7-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter during a welfare check requested by Mater’s estranged wife. Upon noticing the children’s unexcused absence from school, the wife attempted to contact Mater but received no response from him despite repeated attempts to reach him.
After arriving at Mater’s residence, police officers made several attempts to establish contact with no success. Subsequently, they gained entry into the home and discovered the grim aftermath of the murder-suicide, with all three family members having sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head.
Neighbors reported hearing disturbing noises resembling fireworks on the night of the tragic incident, prompting them to investigate the source of the sounds. Authorities believe that the incident occurred on Sunday night, preceding the welfare check the following day.
Surprise Police Sergeant Rick Hernandez disclosed that Mater had been undergoing mental health treatment, emphasizing the importance of seeking help when experiencing mental health crises or domestic violence. Despite police responding to prior crisis situations involving Mater in the past, there was no criminal history attributed to him, underscoring the prevalence of mental health issues across various demographics.
Hernandez reiterated the importance of seeking treatment for mental health concerns, emphasizing that such issues can impact individuals regardless of their location or background. Urging individuals in crisis to seek assistance, he provided resources for those in need of mental health support or contemplating suicide. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health challenges proactively and seeking help when needed.