In the winter of 2023, the life of 49-year-old Sage Yohannah Fitz, a white female, was tragically cut short in a devastating act of domestic violence in Phoenix, Arizona. On the morning of December 18th, what began as a normal workday for Sage at an auto repair shop near 27th Avenue and Deer Valley Road turned into a scene of unimaginable horror. Her estranged husband, 53-year-old Bryan Fitz, arrived at the business and opened fire, fatally wounding Sage and the shop's owner, 62-year-old Carmen
Buscemi. Sage was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries, while Buscemi was pronounced dead at the scene.
The violence did not end there. After leaving the auto shop, Bryan Fitz returned to his residence near 23rd Avenue and Utopia Road. It was there that he took the life of his own 12-year-old son, Baynen Fitz, who was on the autism spectrum, and the family dog. He then turned the gun on himself, ending his own life. Police discovered the tragic scene at the home after obtaining a search warrant and making entry.
Investigations into the motive for this horrific murder-suicide point towards escalating marital problems. Sage had recently initiated divorce proceedings, a move that is believed to have triggered her husband's violent actions. Family members described Bryan as a controlling and jealous individual, whose behavior had reportedly worsened after a motorcycle accident left him disabled. His actions left a community in mourning and a family shattered by the loss of Sage, a loving mother and friend, her young son Baynen, and a respected local business owner. Authorities have confirmed that with Bryan Fitz deceased, there are no outstanding suspects in this case.
