6/28/16 11:06 PM
Shooting in front of Navajo County Superior Court leaves two dead and one injured.

HOLBROOK, AZ – A dispute stemming from a custody hearing Tuesday afternoon led to a shooting in front of the Navajo County Superior Court. The incident left two victims dead and one injured with a wound to the leg.

The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Show Low, Holbrook and Snowflake-Taylor Police Departments, quickly responded to the scene and locked down Navajo County’s Holbrook Complex.

“This was an unfortunate situation, but our top objective was to protect the employees and citizens inside the building,” Navajo County Sheriff KC Clark said. “A collaborative effort of local law enforcement searched the vicinity of the complex until the suspect was found. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”

The lockdown was lifted after the suspect was apprehended without incident on the south side of the complex. No employees were hurt during the incident.

“First and foremost, I would like to extend our condolences, our thoughts and our prayers to the victims’ families at this most difficult time,” Navajo County Superior Court Presiding Judge Michala Ruechel said. “We are grateful to law enforcement, court related personnel and first responders who quickly arrived to render aid to the victims. This awful event has rocked this tight-knit community, but we will continue to work every day to ensure that our courts are a safe place for all.”

The Navajo County Homicide Task Force has taken over the investigation. Members of local law enforcement are working through the night.

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For more information:
Contact Adam Wolfe
Navajo County Communications Manager
Office: (928) 524-4165
adam.wolfe@navajocountyaz.gov