In the quiet suburbs of Tucson, Arizona, a shocking act of violence shattered the peace on a Sunday morning in November. On November 6, 2022, 66-year-old Peggy Hatmaker, a female, was found deceased in her home, the victim of a brutal and unexpected attack. The events that unfolded that day would reveal a chilling story of familial violence and mental health struggles, leaving a community in disbelief.
The alarm was raised when Pima County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a
residence on the 5000 block of West Nighthawk Way around 11 a.m. following a 911 call. Upon their arrival, they were met at the front door by a man holding a handgun. This man was identified as 37-year-old Jonathan Hatmaker, the son of Peggy Hatmaker. He was taken into custody without incident. The scene inside the house, however, was grim. Deputies discovered Peggy Hatmaker with obvious signs of trauma; she had been shot multiple times, including once in the head. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into Peggy’s death quickly focused on her son. It was revealed that Jonathan Hatmaker himself had made the 911 call, allegedly telling dispatchers, 'I killed my mom and she deserved it.' When questioned about his motive, his reported response was as unsettling as the act itself: 'She gave birth to me.' Further investigation suggested that Peggy was lying on her back when she was shot under the chin. Jonathan Hatmaker, who was reported to have a history of mental illness, was subsequently arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder. He was held on a $1 million bond as the community grappled with the disturbing details of the case.
