In a quiet Mesa, Arizona apartment on the evening of April 3, 2023, a grim discovery brought a tragic end to the lives of a mother and her two children. Aide Popoca, a 46-year-old White/Caucasian woman, was found deceased in her home, the victim of a shocking act of violence that would unravel as a murder-suicide. The devastating event unfolded inside an apartment at 640 W. 8th Ave., near Country Club Drive.
The alarm was raised around 7:30 p.m.
when Aide's boyfriend returned to the apartment after his workday. Expecting to find his girlfriend and her children, he was instead confronted with a horrific scene. Inside, he found Aide, her 14-year-old daughter Ashley Popoca, and her 21-year-old son Rafael Popoca, all having suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The victims were discovered in separate rooms of the residence.
Responding Mesa police officers were met outside by the distraught boyfriend, who recounted his discovery. Upon entering the apartment, law enforcement confirmed the three individuals were deceased. The preliminary investigation by the Mesa Police Department's Homicide Division quickly pointed towards a murder-suicide. Evidence gathered at the scene indicated that Rafael Popoca had shot and killed his mother, Aide, and his younger sister, Ashley, before turning the gun on himself.
The investigation concluded that Rafael Popoca was the sole perpetrator of the violent act, and therefore no arrests were made, and no other suspects were sought. The motive for the tragic event was not immediately released by authorities. The incident left the local community in shock, mourning the loss of a mother and her young daughter in such a violent manner. Aide was remembered as a caring and hard-working mother who was devoted to her children.
