What began as an ordinary Sunday morning in Phoenix ended in devastating confusion for two young children.
When their parents didn’t wake up as expected, the kids grew uneasy, unsure why the house remained so still.
That confusion would soon give way to a tragic discovery that has shaken an Arizona neighborhood.
A Disturbing Discovery in Phoenix
Police say 42-year-old Celestina Ertebati and her husband, Sam Ertebati, also 42, were found dead inside their home on Bell Road.
Officers were called to the house just after 5pm on Sunday after a family member was alerted by the couple’s children, who were worried their parents had been asleep for far too long.
The family member entered the bedroom and found both adults unresponsive, with a gun nearby.
What Investigators Know So Far
According to Phoenix police, early findings suggest Celestina shot her husband before turning the firearm on herself.
Authorities stressed that no one else was injured in the incident and confirmed the children were not harmed.
Sergeant Jen Zak said investigators are still working to understand what led up to the shooting.
The couple, who had reportedly been married for 16 years, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Children Left With Unanswered Questions
The ages of the children have not been released, but police confirmed they were asleep at the time of the incident.
It was their growing concern that ultimately led to the call for help.
For now, authorities are focused on piecing together the events while ensuring the children are cared for by family.
Remembering Sam: A Life That Touched Many
As news spread, tributes poured in for Sam Ertebati, painting a picture of a man deeply loved by those around him.
One heartfelt message described him as “a son, a friend, a confidant,” someone whose presence made people feel seen and valued.
Friends recalled his warmth, his generosity, and his easy ability to lift the mood in any room.
Many spoke of how sudden and heavy the loss feels, leaving behind grief and questions that may never have clear answers.
‘You Were My Brother, My Best Friend’
On social media, close friends shared deeply personal memories.
One described Sam as the person they turned to for advice, comfort, and encouragement.
Another remembered the simple moments — watching basketball games together, sharing hugs, and spending time with family.
Several posts highlighted his devotion as a father, saying his children meant everything to him.
“You were what a father is supposed to be,” one tribute read, calling him kind, loving, and endlessly present for his boys.
An Outpouring of Shock and Grief
Others who knew Sam echoed the same disbelief.
Friends described him as “super cool,” “so nice,” and someone known for a goofy laugh that was hard to forget.
Many said he didn’t deserve such a tragic end and are still struggling to process what happened.
A Neighborhood in Mourning
Outside the family’s home, a small memorial has begun to grow — flowers, notes, and quiet reminders of lives lost.
Neighbors told Fox News that the house was often full of activity, with children frequently gathering around the basketball hoop in the driveway.
It was the kind of place where kids played freely and parents watched from nearby — a normal, lively corner of the street that now feels painfully empty.
What Comes Next
Police say the investigation is ongoing as they work to understand the circumstances behind the tragedy.
Meanwhile, a community is left grieving, two children are facing a future without their parents, and many are asking the same haunting question: how did something like this happen behind a door that once seemed so ordinary?
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