16-year-old sister dials 911 as brother stabs family to death, Arizona sheriff says

A 21-year-old man stabbed his parents, sister and 5-year-old niece to death in their Casa Grande home, Arizona sheriff’s officials reported.

Richard Wilson faces charges of murdering his 47-year-old father, 50-year-old mother, 16-year-old sister and niece, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Deputies responding to a “frantic” 911 call at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, found Wilson in the home with his slain family members, the release said.

“It was quite a horrific scene,” Chief Deputy Matthew Thomas told KNXV.

Wilson’s teenage sister called 911 for help during the attack, but the line disconnected, according to the station.

“It was just scary knowing that this could happen next door,” neighbor Joy Moreno told the station.

The sheriff’s office did not release information on what led to the slayings.

“Four people being slaughtered, essentially, at the hands of one of their own relatives is just — it’s just beyond what you can fathom,” Thomas told KSAZ. “You always have these calls that kind of haunt you throughout your career.”

Wilson is being held on $2.5 million bail.

“This act of depraved violence will have long lasting effects on all those who knew this family,” said Sheriff Mark Lamb. “While nothing will bring their loved ones back, I send my prayers and support to everyone affected.”

Casa Grande is about 50 miles southeast of Phoenix.

This story was originally published September 6, 2022 at 9:49 AM with the headline "16-year-old sister dials 911 as brother stabs family to death, Arizona sheriff says."