THATCHER — Thatcher Police are investigating the apparent murder of a 42-year-old woman Tuesday morning.
In a press release, Thatcher Police Chief Shaffen Woods said the call of a shooting in the Quail Ridge area of town came in at 4:23 a.m. The caller, identified as Bobby Benitez, 64, reportedly admitted to shooting someone and he wanted police to shoot him.
During a brief standoff, Benitez refused commands to drop his weapon, instead reportedly shooting himself. His wounds were not fatal and he transported to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Officers then discovered the body of the victim, identified as Patty Nosie, 42.
The woman’s death is being treated as a homicide and investigation into the incident is ongoing.
