In the fall of 2015, a tragedy unfolded in an east-central Phoenix apartment, forever altering the lives of a young family. On October 15th, 28-year-old Jacqueline Monique Catano, a mother of three, was found dead in her home located near 30th Street and Roosevelt. The scene that greeted investigators was grim, leaving them initially uncertain as to whether she had been shot or beaten due to the significant amount of blood present.
Her three children, all under the age of ten, were inside the apartment at the time of the incident but were physically unharmed.
The initial report to authorities came from Jacqueline's husband, who called 9-1-1 to report finding his wife's body in the kitchen after hearing a noise. He suggested to police that a stranger who had knocked on their door earlier that evening might have returned and been responsible for her death. As the investigation progressed, however, the case took a different turn.
Phoenix police later arrested 26-year-old Vanessa A. Bedell in connection with the murder. Investigators determined that Bedell had shot and killed Jacqueline inside her home. Evidence from the homicide was reportedly discovered in Bedell's possession, leading to her being booked on a charge of second-degree murder. The motive for the fatal shooting remained under investigation following the arrest.
