Full Breakdown
Tempe Little Caesars Shooting: A Tragic Double Murder
12/4/2025, 5:11:13 PM
Incident Overview
On December 1, 2025, a shooting at a Little Caesars pizza shop in Tempe, Arizona, resulted in the deaths of two employees: 21-year-old Mary Visser and 32-year-old Shaquille Simmons. The alleged shooter, Benjamin Visser Jr., 27, has been charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. near Rural and Guadalupe roads, where police officers, already in the vicinity, heard gunshots and quickly responded.
Sequence of Events
Upon arrival, officers found Benjamin Visser with a gun in his hand and the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Banner Desert Hospital but later succumbed to their injuries. Court documents reveal that Benjamin had a tumultuous relationship with Mary, marked by jealousy and accusations of infidelity, which he believed involved Simmons. Witnesses reported that Benjamin had harassed both Mary and Simmons in the days leading up to the shooting.
Background of the Shooter
Benjamin Visser's history includes allegations of domestic violence and mental health issues. He reportedly had not taken medication for mental health conditions since he was a teenager and expressed a desire for help but claimed he was denied treatment due to not being a drug addict. During police interviews, he described feeling out of control and having "blacked out" during the incident, although he acknowledged understanding that murder is wrong.
Community Response and Support
The shooting has left the Tempe community in shock, with local businesses and residents expressing their condolences. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses for Simmons, highlighting the financial burden faced by the victims' families. Little Caesars has also expressed its sorrow over the incident and is providing support to those affected.
Criticism and Opposition
Family members of the victims have voiced their outrage over the circumstances leading to the shooting. Lerron Simmons, Shaquille's brother, emphasized the tragedy of losing a loved one due to unfounded assumptions and jealousy. He and others have stated that there was no romantic relationship between Mary and Simmons, countering Benjamin's claims.
Official Statements
Tempe Police have confirmed that Benjamin Visser was immediately detained at the scene. The police report indicates that he had been observed harassing Mary and Simmons prior to the shooting. The investigation continues as authorities gather evidence, including surveillance footage that captured the events leading up to the murders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sad that someone could do that over assumptions, not having facts or proof or anything, and just being so jealous,” — Lerron Simmons, Brother of Victim
- “I love my son, and somebody took my son. So, I’m real upset about that,” — Tim Simmons, Father of Victim
- “They had no romantic relationship whatsoever. They’re co-workers,” — Lerron Simmons, Brother of Victim
Conclusion
The tragic events at the Tempe Little Caesars have raised significant concerns about domestic violence and mental health issues. As the community mourns, the legal proceedings against Benjamin Visser will unfold, with a focus on understanding the motivations behind this devastating act.