Phoenix — A quiet Sunday evening turned tragic in north Phoenix on January 18, 2026, when police responding to a call near Interstate-17 and Bell Road discovered two people shot to death inside a house on West Woolridge Drive. Among the victims was Sam Ertebati, remembered by friends and family as a gentle soul whose life was cut short far too soon.
Around 5:15 p.m., Phoenix Police Department officers were dispatched to a home in the 2900 block of West Woolridge Drive after receiving a report of unknown trouble. When they entered the residence, first responders found Ertebati and a woman, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical crews arrived and worked urgently at the scene, but both victims were pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The sudden violence stunned neighbors in a normally peaceful area just off the busy freeway.
Officials later confirmed it was a double fatal shooting, with both victims suffering gunshot injuries inside the home. Ertebati’s name has been publicly released by authorities, while the second victim’s identity has not been disclosed as investigators continue the respectful process of notifying family members. The community has been left grappling with grief and disbelief as loved ones mourn these unexpected losses.
Police say there are no outstanding suspects at this time, and they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to nearby residents. Detectives with the Phoenix Police Department’s homicide unit remain actively engaged in piecing together what happened, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence to understand how a routine Sunday afternoon escalated into deadly violence.
For hours after the shooting, the home remained a secured crime scene with yellow police tape around the property. Neighbors described the evening as surreal, underscoring how unusual an event like this is for a neighborhood that typically prides itself on quiet streets and familiar faces. Friends of Ertebati told reporters that he was well-liked, always ready with a smile, and that his loss feels deeply personal to many who knew him.
As the investigation continues, loved ones are asking the community to offer support through compassion and prayer. Phoenix police have encouraged anyone with information — even small details — to come forward. Tips can be shared directly with the department or anonymously through Silent Witness, in hopes of helping detectives fill in the missing pieces of a night that has left many questions unanswered.
In the midst of mourning, Sam Ertebati’s absence is already felt by those who knew his warmth. This tragedy is a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the lingering ache left by sudden loss in a community still trying to heal.
