In the quiet of a Tuesday morning on February 23, 2016, a horrific scene unfolded inside a home near 51st Avenue and Cactus in Phoenix, Arizona, claiming the life of 50-year-old Victor 'Vic' Buckner. The violence that erupted within the family's residence would ultimately leave five members of the Buckner family dead in a tragic case of domestic violence.
The perpetrator was identified as Victor's 26-year-old son, Alex Buckner. In an act of unthinkable violence, Alex shot and killed his father, Vic, his 49-year-old mother, Kimberly Buckner, and his two younger sisters, 18-year-old Kaitlin and 6-year-old Emma. A desperate 911 call was made by Kaitlin after she had been shot by her brother, alerting authorities to the unfolding tragedy. Little Emma initially survived the shooting and was rushed to a hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to her injuries.
After shooting his family, Alex set their house on fire. The blaze grew to the point that flames were seen shooting through the roof, creating a chaotic and dangerous scene for first responders. Arriving police officers faced an active shooter situation as Alex fired at them while they attempted to enter the burning home to rescue any potential survivors. The fire caused extensive damage to the house, complicating the investigation for Phoenix police. Ultimately, Alex Buckner's actions culminated in his own death, apparently by suicide, after the murders.
Neighbors in the tight-knit community were left in shock, describing the Buckners as seemingly nice people and expressing their affection for young Emma. They reported never seeing any signs of trouble from the family. Investigators learned that Alex had a history of drug problems and had recently been released from a rehabilitation facility. The firearm used in the killings belonged to his father, Vic Buckner. Surviving family members believe that Alex's mental illness was a contributing factor in the devastating murder-suicide.
