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Phoenix Police Investigate Suspected Murder-Suicide of Sam and Celestina Ertebati

Court records detail a 2023 divorce filing involving dueling protection orders with abuse allegations.

Overview

  • Officers responded on Jan. 18 to a home near 29th Avenue and Bell Road after a 5:14 p.m. call reporting two unresponsive adults with a gun nearby.
  • Police say preliminary evidence indicates Celestina Ertebati shot Sam Ertebati before turning the gun on herself, with the investigation continuing.
  • The couple’s two children became concerned, contacted a relative, and that family member discovered the couple in their bedroom.
  • Both were pronounced dead at the scene and police reported no additional injuries.
  • Court documents show Sam filed for divorce in October 2023 and sought an order of protection, while Celestina filed her own petition with counterallegations; the cases were later dismissed.