Mesa Police Investigate Shooting Death of Mother of 7

Authorities say the homeowner was involved in the incident, but details remain unclear.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Police in Mesa, Arizona are investigating the shooting death of 32-year-old Maria Lewis, a mother of seven. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting an injured person at a home, where they found Lewis suffering from a single gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The homeowner, 47-year-old Dulance Morin, was found to be involved in the incident, but it's unclear if he was detained, questioned or arrested. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under active investigation.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the local community and raised questions about the details surrounding the shooting. As a mother of seven, Lewis's death has had a profound impact on her family. The involvement of the homeowner, who works as an agent for the Arizona Attorney General's Office, also adds complexity to the case and the need for a thorough investigation.

The details

Police said they received a 911 call around 2:45 a.m. on February 28 reporting an injured person at a home in Mesa. When officers arrived, they found Lewis lying near the front door with a single gunshot wound. Attempts to save her life were unsuccessful and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities identified the homeowner, Dulance Morin, as being involved in the shooting, but have not provided details on his role or whether he was detained or arrested.

  • The incident occurred around 2:45 a.m. on February 28, 2026.
  • Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.

The players

Maria Lewis

A 32-year-old mother of seven who was killed in the shooting.

Dulance Morin

The 47-year-old homeowner who was found to be involved in the shooting, and who works as an agent for the Arizona Attorney General's Office.

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What’s next

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are awaiting the results of forensic testing and analysis. The Arizona Attorney General's Office has placed Morin on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has left a family devastated and the community seeking answers. The involvement of a homeowner who works for the state's top law enforcement agency adds an additional layer of complexity to the case, underscoring the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the facts and ensure justice is served.