Christmas Eve is meant to be a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but for the community near 5700 N. Second Avenue in Phoenix, it turned into a heart-wrenching scene of sorrow and disbelief. In a shocking turn of events, a holiday gathering took a dark and tragic turn, resulting in the deaths of a mother and daughter, victims of a fatal shooting by the husband of the late Maricopa County attorney, Allister Adel. David DeNitto, 47, the husband of the former county attorney, reportedly took the lives of Cynthia Domini, 83, and her daughter Maryalice Cash, 47, before turning the gun on himself. The Phoenix police were called to the residence around 11:30 p.m., responding to a distressing situation that would send shockwaves through the community.
The property records revealed that DeNitto and Allister Adel owned a home in the block where the tragic incident unfolded. Adel, who served as the Maricopa County attorney, had passed away in April 2022. The couple left behind two sons, and the news of this Christmas Eve tragedy adds another layer of heartbreak to what has already been a challenging period for the family.
Initial reports suggest that Maryalice Cash and David DeNitto were in a relationship, shedding light on the complex dynamics that may have contributed to this devastating event. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation, leaving a community grappling with questions, grief, and an overwhelming sense of loss.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, who succeeded Allister Adel, released a statement confirming the identities of the victims. Mitchell expressed the profound difficulty in comprehending such a tragedy and called for the community to come together in prayer and support for the affected families, especially Allister’s children. “It is impossible to comprehend a tragedy such as this.
Words cannot adequately express the flood of sorrow. I ask the community to join me in praying for the families affected and, most especially, Allister’s children. I also ask that the community surround the families with love, kindness, and a respect for the need for privacy,” said Mitchell.
The ripple effect of this incident goes beyond the immediate family and extends into the wider community. The loss of a mother and daughter in such a violent and unexpected manner leaves friends, neighbors, and acquaintances grappling with grief and searching for ways to make sense of the senseless.
As Phoenix police continue their investigation into the events leading up to this tragic Christmas Eve shooting, the community is left to mourn and reflect on the fragility of life. The holiday season, meant to be a time of warmth and connection, is now forever marked by a somber chapter in the community’s history.
