Man Called 911 After Killing his Mother then Asked to Call the ‘Whole Thing Off’: Police

An Arizona man is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting his mother and later trying to downplay the incident during a 911 call. Aaron Morse, 51, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 74-year-old mother, Susan Morse. The incident occurred on April 16 and has raised questions about Morse’s mental and emotional state at the time of the shooting.

Conflicting 911 Call Raises Alarm

According to court documents obtained by local CBS affiliate KTVK, Aaron Morse called 911 on the afternoon of April 16. He initially admitted to dispatchers that he had shot his mother and waited outside for police to arrive. However, during the call, he seemed to reconsider and asked dispatchers if he could “call the whole thing off.” He then claimed that he and his mother had only argued and that she was simply in her pottery studio. KSAZ, a local Fox affiliate, reported that police classified the emergency call as an “unknown trouble call” due to the inconsistent information provided. Despite Morse’s later claims, when officers arrived at the home, they found Susan Morse with a gunshot wound to her head.

Details from the Scene and Investigation

Susan Morse was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Following the incident, Aaron Morse was taken into custody. According to police, he had placed the gun inside a Tupperware container after unloading it, an action interpreted as an attempt to tamper with evidence. Authorities noted that Morse had blood on his hands and shoes at the time of the arrest. He also allegedly smelled of alcohol, and prosecutors revealed during his first court appearance that he had a history of alcohol use. When asked what had happened, Morse simply replied, “Arguing.” Morse reportedly showed signs of remorse and concern about the consequences of his actions. At one point, he asked officers what would happen next and was told that a judge would decide. He then allegedly responded, “Probably not. I have a heinous crime.”

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Aaron Morse has been booked into the Maricopa County Jail and faces charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Authorities have yet to release further details about the motive or circumstances that led to the tragic shooting. As the investigation continues, the case has shocked the local community, leaving many wondering what led to such a violent outcome between a mother and son. The courts will determine Morse’s fate in the coming weeks as more information comes to light.