In the quiet community of Buckeye, Arizona, a heartbreaking event unfolded on December 15, 2017, shattering the peace of a family home. Two-year-old Hudson J. Pettibone, a White/Caucasian male, was found deceased, the victim of a fatal gunshot wound. The devastating discovery was made after a 911 call reporting a shooting brought law enforcement to the residence.
First responders arrived to a grim scene, where they pronounced the young boy dead.
The investigation into Hudson's death quickly focused on his mother, 26-year-old Alyssa Pettibone. Authorities found her at the home with multiple stab wounds, which were later determined to be self-inflicted in a suicide attempt following the shooting of her son. According to reports, after shooting Hudson, Alyssa Pettibone had attempted to turn the gun on herself, but the weapon jammed because a bullet had been loaded backwards. She then resorted to stabbing herself in the neck.
Following her release from the hospital where she was treated for her injuries, Alyssa Pettibone was arrested on December 18, 2017, and charged with second-degree murder in connection with her son's death. During interviews with investigators, she reportedly admitted to shooting her son, stating that 'no one would understand.' Police noted that she displayed signs of being mentally disturbed and having 'control/ownership/jealousy issues.'
The case sent shockwaves through the community, with neighbors expressing their disbelief and sorrow. Alyssa Pettibone was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office jail with a bond set at $750,000. The Arizona Department of Child Safety confirmed that there had been no prior reports of abuse or neglect involving Hudson or his mother. A joint investigation was conducted by the Buckeye Police Department and the Department of Child Safety.
