In the early morning hours of August 16, 2024, a domestic tragedy unfolded at The Meadows mobile home park in Tempe, Arizona, resulting in the death of 77-year-old Roland B. Jahnke. The male victim was found deceased on the kitchen floor of his residence. The events began to unravel when a 74-year-old woman placed a distressing 911 call, expressing her belief that her son had just killed her husband.
Upon their arrival at the mobile home park, located near 48th Street and Southern
Avenue, Tempe police officers were met by the woman at the entrance. She directed them to her home where the tragic events had occurred. As officers surrounded the residence, they made announcements for the son to come outside. The suspect, identified as the victim's 55-year-old stepson, Robert Purdie, emerged from the home armed with a gun. He refused to comply with police orders to drop his weapon.
The situation escalated when Purdie reportedly pointed the gun at himself before turning it towards the officers. This action prompted a 16-year veteran of the Tempe Police Department to open fire, striking Purdie. Following the shooting, Purdie was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. As a result of his injuries, he had not been formally charged in the death of his stepfather, though charges are expected upon his release from medical care. The Tempe Police Department is continuing to investigate the death of Roland B. Jahnke, while the Mesa Police Department is conducting a separate investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
