Mesa Woman Arrested After Shooting Her Son During Domestic Dispute

By: Ciara Perez | News Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published May 18th, 2025

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Mesa, AZ — A domestic disturbance in a senior living community turned violent Saturday night when a 72-year-old woman allegedly shot her son during an argument, according to the Mesa Police Department.

Just before 9:00 p.m. on May 17, 2025, officers were called to 205 S Higley Rd, located within the Mesa Shadows 55+ Active Lifestyle Community, after a woman called 911 and said she had shot her son and discarded the firearm in a nearby canal.

When officers arrived, they found a 38-year-old man outside the residence with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

The suspect, identified as Hazel Benson, was arrested at the scene and is now facing multiple felony charges, including:

• Aggravated Assault – Serious Physical Injury (A.R.S. 13-1204)
• Disorderly Conduct Involving a Weapon in a Domestic Violence Incident (A.R.S. 13-2904A6)
• Discharging a Firearm Within City Limits (A.R.S. 13-3107A)

Earlier that evening, at approximately 7:45 p.m., officers had already responded to a prior disturbance at the same address. Benson had reportedly become upset with her son for being too loud while playing video games. No arrest was made during the first visit, and the son agreed to take a walk to calm down.

According to police records, when the son returned, Benson blocked his entry into the home. She told officers he became upset and lunged at her with clenched fists, prompting her to raise her .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun and fire. She admitted later that she didn’t know if she had struck him. After the shooting, she called 911 and told dispatch she had placed the firearm in her nephew’s car trunk.

The weapon was recovered during the execution of a search warrant, along with a receipt bearing Benson’s name. A witness in the home—believed to be the nephew—confirmed he heard the altercation and said Benson handed him a white bag that he secured in his vehicle, which was later found to contain the firearm.

The incident shocked residents of Mesa Shadows, a typically quiet 55+ active adult community. The investigation remains ongoing.

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