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“I can now confirm that the two subjects involved are John D. Castro and Aaliyah M. Anderson,” said Sgt. Sean Clarke, a Goodyear police public information officer.
Police confirmed Friday that 18-year-old Anderson was a Desert Edge High School student and Castro’s stepdaughter.
Police are still investigating the cause of the incident and were careful not to detail it as a homicide/suicide.
“Based on evidence recovered at the scene and information provided through the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s autopsy, it is believed that Castro (41) shot Anderson and then ultimately turned the gun on himself,” said Clarke, in a Friday statement.
The Agua Fria School District released the following message on its website Thursday.
“Our family of high schools is saddened to learn of the off-campus tragedy that occurred yesterday involving a student from Desert Edge High School (DEHS),” the website reads. “Today and in the coming days, counselors will be available at all high schools to provide support and counseling to our students and staff.”
The Goodyear Independent will update this story as more information is available.
