BUCKEYE, AZ — A home invasion turned deadly Sunday night when an armed resident shot and killed an intruder who forced his way into a Buckeye home near Yuma Road and 237th Lane.
The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on January 18, 2026, on Desert Bloom Street. Buckeye police responded to a report of shots fired and arrived to find a man inside the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by emergency medical crews, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, the home was occupied by a mother and her two adult children at the time of the incident. The family was inside when they heard someone banging on the front door. One of the women opened the door and was immediately confronted by a man who began forcing his way into the home.
A male resident quickly retrieved a handgun and arrived at the entrance just as the intruder broke through the security door and crossed the threshold. At that point, the resident fired multiple shots, striking the suspect.
Authorities report there is no known connection between the family and the intruder, who is described as a man in his late 20s. His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
No one else in the home was injured during the incident.
This case appears to be a clear example of a defensive gun use within the home, where the resident acted to protect himself and his family from an imminent threat. When confronted with a violent home invasion, swift and decisive action can be the difference between safety and tragedy. Homeowners are reminded of the importance of having a home defense plan and ensuring that all responsible adults in the household are familiar with safe firearm handling and legal self-defense principles.