A 61-year-old woman who was found dead in her Southeast Side home last week was shot and repeatedly stabbed, an official said Tuesday.
The night before she was found, Edna Sue Phifer told her brother in a phone conversation that her 29-year-old son was "acting up" and that she was afraid, according to court documents filed Monday.
Her son, Wayne Charles Phifer, has since been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and is awaiting extradition from California, where he was taken into custody Friday.
The motive for the slaying has not been determined, said Deputy Dawn Hanke, a Pima County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman.
The victim's family was not available to speak to the media but did release the following statement about Phifer, who went by her middle name.
"Sue was very benevolent, she helped many charities. She gave without thought of herself. Her wisdom, guidance, astounding joy in life, love for her family and friends, selflessness and her unending faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ defined her life."
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The family's statement went on to say "we cannot put into words this pain and grief."
A search warrant filed in the case revealed that a bullet fragment was found near a bed.
She was found in her home in the 8100 block of South Placita Gijon, near Old Spanish Trail and South Camino Loma Alta, after family members became concerned because they were unable to reach her or her son Thursday, the search warrant affidavit states.
She also had not shown up for work and she did not call in.
When deputies arrived at the residence, they knocked on the front door but got no response, the affidavit said. They then went to a back patio door that was left unlocked and were able to make their way in.
Inside they found Sue Phifer dead in an upstairs bedroom, the document said.
Neighbors said they saw Phifer's son in the garage Wednesday night and he was seen leaving the home just before deputies arrived, according to the search warrant affidavit.
The victim's brother said he spoke with his nephew Wednesday night at about 8:30 and that he believed Wayne Phifer was "acting strange," the document said. He also said his nephew is bipolar.
A short time later, Sue Phifer spoke with her brother on the telephone. She told her brother that "Wayne was acting up … and she was afraid," the document said.
Other items seized at the residence include a rifle, a shotgun, bullet rounds and drug paraphernalia, the document states.
Wayne Phifer lived with his mother, authorities said.
Online court records indicate Wayne Phifer has been arrested before on assault, disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing, theft and drug paraphernalia charges.
Funeral services will be private. Cards, letters or memorial contributions, can be sent to: Homicide Survivors Inc., 32 N. Stone Ave. No. 1408, Tucson, AZ 85701.
