A surprise man killed his two children in a murder-suicide, according to police

PHOENIX – Authorities say a surprise man killed his two children and then himself in an apparent murder-suicide Monday.

Brock Mater, 34, was found dead around 12:30 p.m. in a home near Bell and Litchfield streets, police said.

He and his two children were found dead with gunshot wounds to the head, authorities said. Officers allegedly found a rifle on Maher’s lap.

The children were 7 and 6 years old, police said. Mater was currently receiving psychiatric treatment.

“This is a tragic incident,” Surprise police said in a news release Tuesday. “Our thoughts are with the families of the victims at this difficult time.”

According to police, a surprise man killed his two children

Officers first learned of the situation from the children’s mother, who became concerned after the children’s school informed her that her children were not attending school and no apology had been provided, police said.

She and Mater had divorced, police said. The children visited Mater at the weekend.

She went to the apartment and knocked on the door several times with no response, police said. She called police after seeing Mater’s vehicle in front of the house.

Police urged Arizona residents to call 988 if they or someone they know is struggling with mental health issues. The 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can provide free and confidential support to people in crisis.