In a tragic turn of events, Michelle Renee Hicks, a 45-year-old female, lost her life on August 1, 2023, in what Chandler police have described as a murder-suicide. The incident unfolded at a residence in Chandler, Arizona, near Arizona Avenue and Queen Creek Road. Authorities were dispatched to the home following a report of a shooting.
Upon their arrival, officers were met with a grim scene.
Inside the home, they discovered the bodies of Michelle Hicks and a man identified as 49-year-old Rafael Quezada. The investigation determined that Quezada had fatally shot Hicks before turning the gun on himself. A firearm was recovered at the scene. Two other individuals who were present in the home at the time of the shooting were able to escape unharmed.
Michelle, born on September 18, 1977, was remembered for her vibrant and outgoing personality, always bringing laughter and brightness to those around her. She was a devoted mother to her son, Julian Quezada. Her career included 22 years with US West Airline-US Airways-American Airlines and three years as an HR Regional Center Coordinator at Amazon. She was an avid traveler and had a deep love for animals.
