'Unspeakable violence': Phoenix police ID family killed after son opens fire

Five family members are dead after the son opened fire at their house near 51st Avenue and Cactus Road on Tuesday morning and then was killed by officers, Phoenix police said.

A man and a woman were found dead at the scene. Two girls, one in her late teens and a 6-year-old, who had been transported to a hospital for treatment, died of their wounds, police said.

Police fatally shot the  shooter after a confrontation inside the home.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump  identified those who died as parents Vic and Kimberly Buckner and daughters Kaitlin and Emma. The shooter was identified as son Alex Buckner, 26.

Crump initially said the shooter had killed himself but confirmed in a later update that he had been killed by police officers.

"I'm not sure if it was an exchange of fire, but that ended the confrontation," Crump said.

Neighbors interviewed by police after the shootings reported hearing an argument 30 minutes before police were called to the house, Crump said.

One of those injured called 911 shortly before 5 a.m. Tuesday to report that a family member was firing at family members, he said.

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Capt. Reda Bigler, a Phoenix Fire Department spokeswoman, said the shooter set the two-story house on fire. Flames and smoke poured from the residence and shots were fired as responders tried to enter. Three Phoenix police officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

The family's dog, Bob, was rescued from the 2,360-square-foot home. The dog was trembling but seemed uninjured. In mid-morning, he was carried away from the house by an investigator and handed off to a relative. The relative declined to comment.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and City Councilwoman Thelda Williams spoke to reporters outside the home about 8 a.m.

Stanton talked about the "unbelievable tragedy" and "unspeakable violence" that occurred inside the home and praised Phoenix and Glendale police and firefighters for their actions.

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“You have police officers who went into an active fire to pull out people to try to save their lives,” he said.

"Their professionalism, their heroism under the worst possible conditions has blown me away today as mayor of this city.

“Thank you to our incredible heroes.”

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