Tucson Police: Brother killed his sister, then turned the gun on himself | News

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – We’re learning more about a disturbing murder-suicide case on Tucson’s south side.

In a news release Monday, Tucson police identified the two people found dead Sunday in a home on West Virginia Street near Drexel Road and Nogales Highway as James William Modesitt and Ramona Catherine Fernandez.

According to the police, they were brother and sister.

Based on evidence at the crime scene and interviews conducted, investigators believe James shot his sister and then turned the gun on himself.

They did not disclose a motive for the shooting.

News 4 Tucson spoke with a neighbor who heard the gunshots and who wishes to remain anonymous. She told us she was not shocked by the tragic events, as she has observed many problems in the home for years.

“I knew something would happen sooner or later,” she said. “He was mentally unstable and they took him into custody God knows how many times, they took his weapons away and the next thing he knew he was back. So I knew this was going to happen sooner or later.”

News 4 Tucson investigated James Modesitt’s criminal history. The only serious crimes we found connected to him were five charges related to disturbing the peace and intimidation following a fight at home in 2021.

According to Tucson City Court records, Modesitt failed to appear in court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

News 4 Tucson chief investigative reporter Chorus Nylander approached the home where Modesitt and Fernandez lived. Their cousin and son were there cleaning up the house. They declined to give an interview but told Nylander they were devastated by the loss.

“The parents are gone, the brother and sister are gone, the whole family is gone,” said the cousin.

The cousin’s son wanted to send a message to others who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts: “This kind of thing can be prevented, there is help.”

“We will miss you very much. It was a tragedy.”

“I love my family and came here to pay my respects. We will be back,” said Eric Lund.

On Monday evening, other relatives, including Erin, a cousin of James and Ramona, stopped by the house and were devastated by the loss.

“We just come together to look after each other.”

The investigation is ongoing. We will keep you updated as soon as we learn more.

If you have a story you think we should investigate, email us at [email protected] or call our tip line at 520-955-4444.