2 Little Caesars employees killed in Tempe; suspect arrested

Little Caesars employees killed in Tempe shooting

Two Little Caesars employees, 32-year-old Shaquille Simmons and 21-year-old Mary Visser, were fatally shot Monday morning at the restaurant near Guadalupe and Rural roads in Tempe.

TEMPE, Ariz. - Two Little Caesars employees were fatally shot Monday morning at the restaurant in Tempe, and police reported that the suspect in the shooting is married to one of the victims.

What we know:

The Dec. 1 incident reportedly happened at a Little Caesars in the area of Guadalupe and Rural roads at around 9 a.m.

Tempe Police said 27-year-old Benjaman Visser Jr. was arrested in connection to the shooting of the victims, who were employees of the restaurant.

"Officers were in the area of Rural Rd. and Guadalupe Rd. when they heard shots ring out. Officers found Visser who was still on scene with a gun in his hand. Officers detained Visser. The victims were both employees of Little Caesar’s and were transported to the hospital in critical condition. Both victims, a male and female, died of their injuries at the hospital," Tempe Police said.

The victims were identified as 32-year-old Shaquille Simmons and 21-year-old Mary Visser. Investigators say the suspect, Benjamin, and one of the victims, Mary, were married.

2 separate Tempe shootings leave 3 people dead

Three people were killed in two separate shootings in Tempe on the morning of Dec. 1, including two people at a Little Caesars near Guadalupe and Rural roads, and one person near Tempe Marketplace. FOX 10's Ashlie Rodriguez has the details.

What they're saying:

"The Tempe Police Department extends their sympathies to the victims and the employees of Little Caesar’s during this difficult time. The Tempe Police Department commends the quick and coordinated response of officers who were immediately on scene and detained the suspect. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to excellence helped bring this dangerous situation to a safe conclusion," the police department said.

What's next:

Visser was arrested and booked into the Tempe City Jail.

Dig deeper:

An unrelated fatal shooting also broke out Monday morning at Tempe Marketplace. The suspect hasn't been caught.