In the winter of 2009, the life of 34-year-old Stephanie Y. Breay Morales was tragically cut short in what was determined to be a murder-suicide. On November 30th, in Tucson, Arizona, Stephanie and her 16-year-old son, Dario G. Morales, were found deceased in a residence in the 3300 block of North Flowing Wells Road. The Tucson Police Department discovered the scene after concerned family members requested a welfare check.
Investigations revealed a grim picture of domestic turmoil.
Stephanie had recently separated from her 35-year-old husband, Mario Morales Sr. Although the couple was living apart, their son Dario continued to have contact with both of his parents. On that fateful day, Mario Sr. went to the residence where Stephanie and Dario were and fatally shot them both. After killing his wife and son, Mario Sr. then turned the gun on himself, taking his own life.
The authorities swiftly identified Mario Morales Sr. as the perpetrator in the murder-suicide. Consequently, there were no arrests to be made in connection with the deaths of Stephanie and Dario. The incident left the Tucson community to mourn the loss of a mother and her young son, a promising teenage boxer, to a senseless act of domestic violence. Stephanie was survived by her other two sons, Mario Morales Jr. and Esteban Morales.
