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The Tucson Police Department Homicide Unit, and officers from Operations Division Midtown, are continuing to investigate the suspicious deaths at a home in the 3300 block of East 4th Street where three deceased adults were located. On November 20, 2025, homicide detectives received the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner’s (OME) report. The deaths of the male and female at the home with gunshot trauma were ruled as suicides. They have been identified as 74-year-old Robert Gary Stern and 73-year-old Deborah Lee Stern. The deceased male inside of the home was ruled as a homicide. He has been identified as 51-year-old Shane Isadore Stern, who is the son of Robert and Deborah.
On October 7, 2025, at approximately 10:45 p.m., officers from Operations Division Midtown responded to the home regarding a report of a check welfare. Officers located Robert and Deborah deceased on the back porch. Both Robert and Deborah were deceased from apparent gunshot trauma. Officers located Shane deceased inside the home with no visible trauma. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to continue the investigation.
The OME medical report determined that Shane’s death was due to asphyxia via nitrogen. It is believed that Robert and or Deborah administered nitrogen to Shane on or around October 7, 2025, causing his death. It is believed that Robert and Deborah then went to the porch where their suicides occurred. Shane was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and his quality of life was declining. Evidence collected at the scene and the totality of the circumstances indicate that this situation was planned.
This investigation remains ongoing, and any additional information may be released at a later date as it becomes available. Anyone with information is urged to contact Tucson Police, or 88-CRIME where you can remain anonymous.
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