Mother, 42, killed husband then herself at home as children slept, leaving youngsters confused about why they wouldn't wake up
A woman in Arizona fatally shot her husband, then turned the gun on herself while her children slept - leaving the confused youngsters wondering why their parents weren't waking up in the morning.
Celestina Ertebati, 42, was found dead in her Phoenix home on Sunday with her husband, 42-year-old Sam Ertebati, who had been fatally shot.
Police responded to their home on Bell Road just after 5pm after the couple's two young children were left confused as to why their parents were sleeping so late.
The young children, whose ages were not disclosed, had grown concerned and called a family member who discovered the Ertebati's in their bedroom.
'Preliminary information indicate that Celestina shot Sam, before turning the gun on herself,' police said in a press release.
The pair, who had reportedly been married for 16 years, were found by officers in their bedroom, unresponsive with a gun nearby, according to the release.
'No one else was hurt during this incident,' according to Phoenix Police Sergeant Jen Zak. 'Circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation.'
A tribute to Sam described him as a 'son, a friend, a confidant and a soul whose life mattered deeply.'
Celestina Ertebati, 42, was found dead in her Phoenix home on Sunday with her husband, 42-year-old Sam Ertebati, who had been fatally shot
The pair, who had reportedly been married for 16 years, were found by responding officers in their bedroom, unresponsive with a gun nearby. Pictured: Their home
The couple's young children grew concerned as their parents weren't waking up, and called a family member who discovered the pair in their bedroom
'Those who knew Sam speak of his kindness, his generosity of spirit, and the way he could light up a room simply by being in it,' the tribute continued.
'He had a way of making people feel seen and valued, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or a moment of levity when it was needed most.
'The pain of losing Sam so suddenly is immeasurable, and the questions left behind are heavy. For his family and friends, the days ahead will be filled with mourning, reflection, and the difficult task of learning how to carry on without him.'
'[Sam] you were my brother, my best friend,' a friend of Sam wrote on Facebook. 'You should still be here with us. When I needed someone to talk to you were always there for me.'
'You helped me get through so much by just giving great advice like a true friend. I'll miss those hugs you gave, I will for ever miss watching suns games with you, going to Danny's games/practices...'
Sam always had food prepared for his family, according to the friend's tribute, and he was 'what a father is supposed to be; amazing, kind hearted and loving.'
'Those boys are everything to you and I know you'll be protecting all of us from heaven. I love you bro and will miss you more than anyone could understand.'
Friends described Sam as 'an amazing person,' 'so nice' and 'super cool' with a 'goofy laugh'
Neighbors told said that the street was often busy, as a basketball hoop in their driveway was the most-used on the block and children used to come over and play with Sam's kids
Another commented: 'One of my best friends in this world. I'm still in disbelief right now.'
'I’m so saddened. Sam was a good man in the times we shared together with my ex husband. I pray for his parents and the boys,' a user commented.
Others described Sam as 'an amazing person,' 'so nice' and 'super cool' with a 'goofy laugh.'
'[He] definitely didn't deserve this,' one said.
A memorial sprouted outside of the couple's home on Bell Road.
Neighbors told Fox News that the street was often busy, as a basketball hoop in their driveway was the most-used on the block and children used to come over and play with Sam's kids.
