The Phoenix community is mourning the tragic and sudden loss of Charlotte Trewhella, 80, and her husband, Mark Bernard Jeffrey Trewhella, 81, who died Monday afternoon in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide.
The heartbreaking incident occurred in east Phoenix near the intersection of 42nd Way and Mariposa Street, close to 44th Street and Camelback Road. Police responded to the scene around 3:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers discovered both Charlotte and Mark with gunshot wounds. Charlotte was pronounced dead at the scene. Mark was transported to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities believe that Mark shot Charlotte before turning the weapon on himself. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Charlotte and Mark had been married for many decades, and their lives were deeply intertwined. Neighbors and family members describe them as quiet, private people who were devoted to each other.
Their sudden and tragic passing has left loved ones grappling with shock and sorrow, trying to understand how such a painful event could unfold in the twilight of their lives.
Charlotte was known for her gentle nature, her love of gardening, and the care she showed to those around her. She took pride in her home and in the small things that brought her joy, such as her beloved rose bushes and weekly visits with friends.
Those who knew her speak of her kindness, her warm smile, and her ability to make others feel at ease. A nurturing and thoughtful soul, she was the kind of neighbor who would always lend a hand or drop by with a warm dish on a difficult day.
Mark, a former small business owner, was remembered as intelligent and hardworking. In his younger years, he was a craftsman who took pride in his work and remained active well into retirement.
Friends recall his sense of humor and his fierce loyalty to his family. Though he could be reserved, he had a deep love for his wife and often spoke of their many years together. They shared a quiet life filled with routine and memories, navigating the world side by side for over half a century.
The couple’s deaths have sent ripples of grief through their neighborhood and beyond. In recent years, they had mostly kept to themselves, but their enduring presence in the community did not go unnoticed. For those who knew them even casually, this tragedy has brought a profound sense of loss.
While the details of what led to this heartbreaking event remain under investigation, the focus for now is on remembering Charlotte and Mark for the lives they lived, not just the circumstances of their passing.
Mental health and emotional well-being are critical topics, especially among older adults, and this tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of community connection and support for people of all ages.
In the coming days, family and friends will gather to remember Charlotte and Mark, to honor the years they shared, and to mourn the sudden end to a long chapter of companionship. Their lives were full of history, memories, and moments both ordinary and extraordinary — the building blocks of a quiet, enduring love that spanned generations.
The Trewhellas will be deeply missed, and their memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them. May they both rest in peace.
