Mother of 7 found shot and killed on neighbor’s front porch, husband says

MESA, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — An Arizona mother of seven was shot and killed on her neighbor’s front porch over the weekend, her husband said.

Mesa police said they responded to a welfare check around 2:45 a.m. Saturday. When they arrived, they found Maria Lewis, 32, dead of a gunshot wound.

On Monday, the home was missing a doorbell camera, and the steps had been removed from the front porch.

Neighbors said they are in shock.

Luz Correa said she is sick over the tragedy.

“I cannot believe it,” she said.

David Barney said his heart goes out to the family.

Lewis’ husband told KPHO that his wife was a night owl who often went on walks very early in the morning.

Correa said she also often walks in the neighborhood and feels it is safe.

“We walk every night, three miles at night, all over. It’s safe,” Correa said.

Barney also said the area is safe.

“I mean, I’m not out at 2:30 [a.m.] very often, but it doesn’t surprise me ... it’s very safe. A lot of families, a lot of kids. You just don’t hear this type of stuff happening,” he said.

Police have not said anything about suspects, arrests or a motive. Detectives said they are waiting for forensic results.

A GoFundMe has been created to help raise money for her husband and their seven children.