The five were identified Thursday by police as 44-year-old Jasen Michael Hudgens, 40-year-old Marla Jordan Hudgens and the couple’s three children — 3-year-old Christopher and 6-month-old twin girls, Gwen and Faye. . Marla Hudgens was a partner at the Lewis Roca law firm. Lewis Roca Authorities said Jacen Hudgens is believed to be the only suspect in the homicide and was found with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Friends told CBS affiliate KPHO-TV that Marla Hudgens wanted to end her marriage but was unaware of any potential for violence. “We never had any indication from her that she felt scared or threatened or unsafe,” her friend Brett Haggerty told the station. Marla Hudgens was an attorney working in the Phoenix office of the Lewis Roca law firm. The firm released a statement to KPHO-TV, calling her a passionate advocate and advocate for her clients. “More than that, she was a loving mother and loyal friend,” Lewis Roca said. Police said details of what led up to the incident remain under investigation, but initial reports indicate there were open propane tanks inside the home and a gas line that was not connected to a kitchen appliance. The Hudgens’ babysitter reportedly called 911 after entering the home Wednesday morning and finding one of the bodies. Police, city firefighters and hazardous materials teams were dispatched to the scene for a possible gas leak, and authorities said gas was detected in the home. Officers did not go inside the house for several hours for security reasons, but said they found the five bodies after the house was secured around noon. “Not only is it devastating for the first responders to have to see what was inside, but this neighborhood is very close-knit, including the extended loved ones and family members associated with this home and this residence,” said Sgt. Melissa Soliz, a police spokeswoman, called the incident “a complete tragedy.”
