Tempe Little Caesars Shooting: Family of slain worker speak out

Family grieves man killed in double shooting

Shaquille Simmons leaves behind a large family and a girlfriend who are relieved the suspect was arrested soon after the shooting, but remain enraged that one man’s jealousy led to two people’s lives being unjustly cut short. FOX 10's Ashlie Rodriguez reports.

TEMPE, Ariz. - After two people were shot and killed at a Little Caesars in Tempe, we are hearing from the family of one of the victims.

The backstory:

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

Tempe Police said 27-year-old Benjamin Visser Jr. was arrested in connection to the shooting of the victims, who were employees of the restaurant. He's accused of two counts of premeditated murder.

"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.

Benjaman Visser Jr.

In a statement released by Tempe Police on the night of Dec. 1, the victims were identified as 32-year-old Shaquille Simmons and 21-year-old Mary Visser.

"Benjamin and Mary were married," police said, adding that Visser Jr. believed his wife and Simmons were in a relationship – Simmons' family denies that.

The suspect did not appear physically in court Tuesday due to concerns that he would self-harm. Visser Jr.'s counsel pointed to a prior domestic violence history that had escalated over time.

Little Caesars has released a statement on the shooting, saying, "We are heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred yesterday in Tempe, Arizona. Our thoughts are with our crew members’ families and all those affected. We are working closely with law enforcement as they investigate and are supporting our local restaurant team and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."

What They're Saying:

On Dec. 2, we heard from Simmons' family members.

"Sad that someone could do that over assumptions, not having facts or proof or anything, and just being so jealous," said Simmons' brother, Lerron. "Mary’s husband was assuming that there was something going with Shaquille and Mary. But there was nothing going on."

"Him trying to be a good person, a good citizen, and it cost his life. I talked to my son. He didn't have no interest in that woman. It was something on that guy," said Simmons' father, Tim. "All he did was show up to work, and that caused his death."

They said they found out about his death by watching the news. Simmons’ aunt, Toni Simmons, called the death "a senseless death."

Shaquille Simmons

Dig deeper:

Simmons leaves behind a large family and a girlfriend who are relieved Visser Jr. was arrested soon after the shooting but remain enraged that one man’s jealousy led to two people’s lives being unjustly cut short.

"It just hurts. And I know everybody is feeling it. He will forever be missed," Lerron said. "That’s just how we feel with our family and I know the other young lady, Mary, her family probably feels the same way."

Visser Jr. is currently being held on a $2 million cash bond.

The Simmons family is trying to raise money for a proper burial for Shaquille and has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for the costs.

Family of slain Tempe Little Caesars worker speak

One day after a man allegedly killed his wife and another worker at a Little Caesars in Tempe, we are hearing from the family of one of the victims. FOX 10's Ashlie Rodriguez has more.