PEORIA, AZ – Authorities say a 25-year-old man is facing murder and assault charges after fatally shooting his stepfather during a late-night confrontation at their home Sunday in a suburb northwest of Phoenix.
Police responded to the home on Hatfield Road near 83rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road just before 10 p.m., after a man inside, later identified as 64-year-old Casey Orlowski, frantically called 911. Orlowski reported that his stepson, Zachary Parker, had repeatedly threatened him and his wife at gunpoint and that he had locked himself in a bedroom to stay safe. At the time of the call, Orlowski said he did not know the whereabouts of his wife or Parker.
Soon after the initial emergency call, authorities received another 911 call from Parker’s mother. She had managed to escape the house and ran to a neighbor’s for safety, alerting authorities to the volatile situation unfolding inside the home.
As police arrived at the scene, they heard several gunshots coming from inside the residence. Officers attempted to enter, but a reinforced metal door delayed their efforts. During this time, Parker himself called 911, claiming his mother was gravely injured and alleging, without evidence, that his stepfather was a criminal attempting to kill him.
Shortly after, Parker exited the home with his hands raised, surrendering to officers without further resistance. According to police records, Parker later told investigators, “he did what he needed to do.”
Once inside the home, police discovered Orlowski deceased in the bedroom, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Evidence suggests Parker fired through the door, striking his stepfather, who was on the other side.
Authorities say Parker has a documented history of mental health challenges, and access to firearms was a known concern. Investigators are looking into the role these factors may have played in the tragedy.
Parker was immediately taken into custody and remains held at Maricopa County Jail. During his initial court appearance, Parker claimed he acted in self-defense and that his stepfather had been the aggressor during the confrontation.
No injuries were reported for Parker’s mother, who managed to flee and seek help. The incident has left neighbors unsettled in the typically quiet residential community.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident to determine the sequence of events leading up to the fatal shooting. Parker faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.