Tucson Police investigating murder and double suicide

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The Tucson Police Department believes the deaths of three people were the result of a homicide and double suicide.

The TPD says officers responded to a home at 3310 East 4th Street October 7 for a welfare check.

That’s where police say 74-year-old Robert Gary Stern and 73-year-old Deborah Lee Stern were found dead on the back porch with apparent gunshot wounds.

A dead male was found inside the home and has been identified as 51-year-old Shane Isadore Stern, who is the son of Robert and Deborah.

Tucson Police says detectives received the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner’s Report November 20.

Robert and Deborah’s deaths were ruled as suicides.

The OME medical report determined Shane’s death was due to asphyxia via nitrogen.

Police believe Robert and or Deborah administered nitrogen to Shane on or around October 7, and caused his death.

Police believe Robert and Deborah then went to the porch where their suicides occurred.

Shane was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and his quality of life was declining.

TPD says evidence collected at the scene and the totality of the circumstances indicate that this situation was planned.

This investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Tucson Police, or 88-CRIME where you can remain anonymous.

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