On Thursday at 10:24 p.m., Tucson Police Department responded to a report shots heard in the 100 block of North Pantano Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered 23-year old Ashley Hicks suffering from gunshot trauma in the parking lot of the Canyon Creek Apartments located at 160 North Pantano Road. Ms. Hicks was transported to a local area hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
At about 11:00 p.m., family members of Ms. Hicks, who were unaware of the shooting incident, contacted the Marana Police Department regarding 23-year old Joseph Leroy Francis coming to their house and telling them he had just shot their daughter. Marana Police initiated an investigation, which led them to the Francis home in the 2800 block of West Curtis Road. Upon their arrival, officers heard a single gunshot in close proximity. Francis was located in the driveway of his residence suffering what appeared to be a self inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Tucson Police Department detectives learned that Ms. Hicks and Francis were estranged. They also learned that Ms. Hicks had a valid restraining order against Francis. Ms. Hicks arrived in the apartment complex with several friends in a vehicle. Francis immediately confronted Ms. Hicks holding a handgun. Ms. Hicks was shot multiple times and Francis fled the area in a vehicle.
Tucson Police Department detectives coordinated with the Marana Police Department and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office to determine the events that followed, which led to the discovery of Francis deceased at his residence.