Police, neighbors search for answers in Sunnyside deadly shooting

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - It's been nearly 24 hours since a family of five was killed in what appears to be a case of domestic violence.

On Tuesday morning, 50-year-old Vic Buckner and 49-year-old Kim Buckner were gunned down by their own son, 26-year-old Alex Buckner, inside their home near 51st Avenue and Cactus.

Police say Kaitlin made a desperate 9-1-1 call for help after she was shot by her brother. Little Emma initially survived the shooting, but she later died at the hospital.

After gunning down his family, Alex lit the house on fire and several firefighters were at the scene, fighting the flames, which at one point, shot through the roof of the home.

Phoenix police investigators are still on the scene, sifting through evidence and that hasn't been easy due to the extensive fire damage inside the home.

Neighbors are still in shock after yesterday's events and they say they live in a tight-knit neighborhood. Many even say they have a close relationship with 6-year-old Emma, who was described as being a sweet, little girl who would often visit.

Neighbors also say they never saw any signs of trouble from any of the Buckners and they seemed like nice people.

Investigators say the suspect, Alex, had drug problems and recently was released from a rehab facility. They say the weapon used was owned by Vic Buckner, Alex's dad.

The investigation is far from over as police work to determine what caused Alex to turn a gun on his family. Surviving family members say they believe Alex's mental illness led up to the shooting.