A joyful graduation celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when the family of 24-year-old Monet Newton found her dead in her Glendale , Arizona , apartment just hours before her scheduled commencement .
Authorities believe Newton, who was about to receive her master’s degree , was killed in an apparent murder-suicide orchestrated by her ex-boyfriend , Chase Cooper, 22.
Newton’s parents had flown to Arizona to attend her graduation, only to discover her body after she failed to pick them up from the airport.
Glendale Police were called to the scene on Tuesday, Oct. 15, where they also found Cooper’s body, both victims suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Authorities believe that Cooper, who had recently ended his relationship with Newton, was responsible for the tragic act.
“This family was ready to celebrate something so special , and the celebration turned to tragedy immediately,” stated Glendale Police spokesperson Jose Santiago.