Benjamin Visser Jr. arrested for fatal shooting of wife Mary Visser and coworker Shaquille Simmons in Arizona strip mall, motive under investigation.
Tempe, Arizona, experienced early morning shooting at a Little Caesars restaurant in Tempe has left two people dead and the local community reeling. Authorities say 27-year-old Benjamin Visser Jr. has been arrested and charged with two counts of premeditated murder in the deaths of his wife, 21-year-old Mary Visser, and her coworker, 32-year-old Shaquille Simmons.
The incident occurred shortly after 9 a.m. local time on Monday December 1, 2025, at a busy strip mall, a time when surrounding businesses were opening. Witnesses reported a sudden burst of gunfire, describing chaotic scenes as employees and customers sought cover. “I heard rapid shots and saw someone fall,” said Kennedy Luong, owner of a nearby nail salon. “It was terrifying.”
Another witness who called 911 recounted seeing the gunman fire additional rounds even after the victims collapsed. Police have described the attack as deliberate, consistent with the premeditated murder charges. Nearby business owners, including Tony Olvera of Lady Luck Tattoo Gallery, described the surreal nature of the violence, emphasizing that the area is normally considered safe.
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Tempe police officers were nearby investigating a separate fatal shooting at Tempe Marketplace when they responded immediately to the Little Caesars scene. The proximity of law enforcement allowed them to detain Visser without further incident, a move praised by authorities for preventing additional harm. Investigators have confirmed that the two shootings are unrelated.
Mary Visser and Shaquille Simmons were transported to a local hospital in critical condition but died shortly after. Police have not disclosed the circumstances that brought the victims to the location or details regarding the suspect’s relationship with his wife at the time. Investigators are actively examining surveillance footage, digital records, and witness statements to determine a motive, which remains unclear.
The shootings have reignited concerns about public safety, domestic violence, and workplace security in public spaces. Tempe Police Department issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and the broader community while noting the swift response of officers on the scene. Business owners in the strip mall stressed that the incident is isolated and hope it will not alter perceptions of safety in the area.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in investigations of deadly violence. As the legal process moves forward, the tragedy continues to leave a profound mark on the Tempe community, underscoring the sudden and devastating impact of public acts of violence.
