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'The celebration turned to tragedy immediately': Family visiting for graduation learn woman was killed in murder-suicide

The incident was reported Tuesday near Union Hills Drive and the Loop 101.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Two people were found dead in a Glendale apartment on Tuesday in a situation that police have described as a "murder-suicide" event.

Police officers were dispatched to an apartment in the area of Union Hills Drive and the Loop 101 freeway where two dead bodies were found inside.

The deceased individuals were identified as 24-year-old Monet Newton and 22-year-old Chase Cooper. They both died of gunshot wounds.

Credit: KPNX
Chase Cooper killed his girlfriend Monet Newton before killing himself, according to Glendale police.

Police said Newton's family had flown to Arizona to celebrate Newton's graduation from a master's program. When Newton failed to pick them up from the airport, her family and friends became concerned.

They went to her apartment and found the two dead bodies inside. 

“This family was getting ready to celebrate something so special, something that she worked so hard for and the celebration turned to tragedy immediately," Glendale Police Public Information Officer Jose Santiago said.

Glendale police said investigators believe Cooper allegedly killed Newton before shooting himself.

Investigators said Newton and Cooper had been in a brief romantic relationship that ended days before their deaths.

Grand Canyon University said Newton had earned a bachelor's degree in 2022 and was studying to get a master's degree from the university's online campus. Newton was expected to attend a commencement ceremony on Thursday.

Anyone in an unsafe relationship is encouraged to seek help by calling the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

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