Neighbors react to Gilbert murder-suicide

GILBERT, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Friends and neighbors are reacting to news that a mother and her two children were found dead in their Gilbert home.

"When the ambulance comes, and no one is rushing to resuscitate, you know something is up," said Paula Testa.

Testa was a close friend of Lisa Gerhart. She's still struggling to come to terms with what's happened. She says Gerhart was a good mother and good person.

"That's how I'll always remember her for saying that and encouraging me to stand on the word of God and what the Bible says, hunker down and fall into Jesus' arms," said Testa.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said on Monday that Gerhart shot and killed her 17-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter before killing herself. Deputies say they found a handgun near Gerhart's body and neighbors spotted a hose going from a car's exhaust into the home.

Testa's son was supposed to meet up with Gerhart's son Monday morning. But didn't hear from him. She decided to go to the family's home to check on them.

"I had no idea what I was going in to, but yea that will forever be embedded in my head forever," said Testa.

Once Testa realized what happened she called for help.

"This is not who she is. I kept saying this is not who she is. This is not like wow, is an Officer here? Is anyone coming? It was just crazy," said Testa.

Sheriff Arpaio says the mother and the father of the children were separated. An autopsy was performed, and the report is being processed.