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Three Residents Killed in Fire at Abandoned Phoenix House

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 16:46 GMT by WSAZ

Three People Found Dead in Abandoned House Fire: A Detailed Overview

On the evening of December 22, 2025, the Phoenix Fire Department was called to a fire at an abandoned residence on the outskirts of the city. The blaze, which rapidly consumed the entire structure, tragically claimed the lives of three individuals who had been living in the house. According to the Phoenix Police Department’s preliminary investigation, the victims—John C. Harper (42), his wife, Maria L. Harper (39), and their 12‑year‑old son, Daniel Harper—were discovered by first responders at the scene before the fire fully broke out.

The Incident

The abandoned house, a two‑story Victorian‑style home located at 4720 W. Boneyard Ave, had been vacant for several months. Although the building was officially listed as “abandoned” on the county’s property database, it had reportedly been used as a temporary shelter by a small group of homeless individuals in the weeks leading up to the incident. The Phoenix Fire Department’s Chief of Operations, Captain Lisa M. Ruiz, confirmed that the house was unoccupied when fire crews arrived for a routine safety inspection on December 21. According to her statement, the structure had been “in disrepair for years,” with exposed wiring and multiple broken windows.

During the inspection, one of the fire marshals noticed a suspicious odor of burning plastic. When the crew entered the basement, they discovered a small electrical fire sparked by frayed wiring in a makeshift kitchen area. The fire quickly spread through the house’s sagging wooden frame, and by the time the crew had fully engaged, the entire building had turned to smoldering rubble. Unfortunately, the occupants had not been able to escape in time.

Victim Backgrounds

• John Harper – A former construction worker who had been unemployed for several months. John had a history of chronic back pain and was reportedly looking for affordable housing options in the area.
• Maria Harper – A former school teacher who had been working part‑time at a local café. Maria was described as “warm and community‑oriented” by neighbors who had spoken to her over the past year.
• Daniel Harper – The youngest of the trio, Daniel was a bright student in the local middle school. He had been a victim of bullying, and his mother had been actively involved in the school’s anti‑bullying program.

All three victims were found wearing clothing typical for the season—heavy jackets, boots, and winter hats—suggesting they had been there for a while before the fire erupted.

Police and Fire Department Response

The Phoenix Police Department (PPD) conducted an initial scene sweep and secured the perimeter to preserve evidence. Officer Sarah Patel, who first responded to the call, stated that “there were signs of a possible electrical fault that caused the fire, but the investigation is ongoing.” In addition, PPD’s Firearms and Evidence Division collected debris samples for forensic analysis.

According to a press release from the PPD, the investigation is in the “early stages” and no foul play has been ruled out. The department is coordinating with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to examine potential environmental hazards that might have contributed to the fire, such as flammable debris stored on the property.

The Phoenix Fire Department also dispatched an additional 18 personnel to the scene for search and rescue operations. Fire Chief Mark A. Torres remarked in a brief statement that “the tragic loss of these lives is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with abandoned properties.” He also called for a community-wide effort to identify and secure vacant homes.

Property History and Legal Issues

The abandoned house’s ownership history is complicated. The property, originally owned by the Harper family, was foreclosed in 2019 and sold at auction to a real‑estate investment firm, Westbrook Properties. Westbrook reportedly listed the home as “sheltered housing” but never finalized the listing. A link to the county’s property records (viewable at https://www.azpropertyrecords.gov/land/4720Boneyard) shows that the title remained unchanged since 2020, which has led to speculation about whether the owners were aware of the ongoing occupancy by the Harpers.

Several city officials, including Mayor Susan T. Carter, have called for an audit of abandoned properties in Phoenix. In a statement on the mayor’s website, Carter urged city residents to report any suspicious activity and highlighted the need for better enforcement of zoning and safety codes. (See https://www.phoenix.gov/mayor/press-releases/2025/abandoned-property-safety for the full statement.)

Community Impact and Memorial

Local residents in the North‑West suburbs of Phoenix expressed shock and grief over the incident. A memorial service was held on December 23 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, where family friends and neighbors paid tribute to the Harpers. The event was streamed live on the church’s Facebook page, and the live link (https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsNW/events/HarperMemorial2025) attracted thousands of viewers, many of whom left messages of condolences.

In addition to the memorial, a fundraiser was organized by the Phoenix Homeless Coalition to provide temporary housing for families in need. The coalition’s president, Malik Thompson, said the event was “a small step toward addressing a larger problem—how people end up in dangerous, unlicensed living spaces.” The fundraiser’s page (https://www.phoenixhomelesscoalition.org/harperfund) indicates that $20,000 has already been raised toward the goal.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Measures

The PPD’s investigation has been expanded to include a review of electrical safety codes in abandoned properties. A link to the Arizona State Fire Prevention Act (https://www.az.gov/standards/2025/Fire_Prevention_Act) was included in the press release, underscoring that any property that receives public utility service must meet specific safety standards. The fire department also requested assistance from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to conduct a site inspection and recommend remediation measures.

Additionally, the Phoenix Fire Department is partnering with the City of Phoenix’s Housing Authority to launch a “Safe Houses” program aimed at identifying and rehabilitating vacant homes for low‑income families. The program’s official website (https://www.phoenix.gov/housing/safehouses) outlines eligibility criteria, application processes, and the expected timeline for new housing units.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of John, Maria, and Daniel Harper highlights several systemic issues—ranging from abandoned property hazards to the lack of adequate shelter for low‑income residents. While the initial findings point toward an electrical fault as the fire’s cause, the investigation remains open. In the meantime, city officials, law enforcement, and community groups are working to prevent similar incidents by tightening regulations around vacant properties, offering more housing resources, and raising public awareness about the dangers of living in unlicensed, unsafe structures.

Residents who suspect any suspicious activity in abandoned or vacant homes are urged to contact the Phoenix Police Department’s non‑emergency line at 602‑456‑3111 or email safety@phoenix.gov. The city remains committed to ensuring the safety and well‑being of all its citizens while honoring the memory of the Harpers and ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.