New 911 Calls Reveal Phoenix Christmas Eve Murder-Suicide

PHOENIX (AZFamily) – What should have been a joyful holiday evening turned into a devastating tragedy for one Phoenix family last Christmas Eve. On December 24, 2023, David De Nitto, the widower of former Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel, fatally shot his girlfriend, Maryalice “Molly” Cash, and her mother, Cynthia Domini, before taking his own life inside his Phoenix home.

The horrifying incident took place near Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road. Now, newly released 911 calls are offering a heartbreaking glimpse into the fear and confusion felt by those caught in the middle of the violence that night.

“He’s been drinking so much,” she says urgently, pleading for officers to respond quickly. Her voice breaks as she explains that several of them ran from the house and got into a car, but her mother was still inside with De Nitto.

The nearly five-minute call captures the chaos and heartbreak unfolding in real time. Through tears, the caller begs again and again for the police to hurry. Every second seems to carry the weight of fear and uncertainty.

By the time officers arrived, it was too late. According to Phoenix police, De Nitto had already shot Cash and Domini before turning the gun on himself. The case was later ruled a murder-suicide.

The tragedy shocked those familiar with De Nitto and his late wife, Allister Adel, who passed away in 2022. Adel had served as Maricopa County Attorney and was a prominent figure in Arizona’s legal community. Her death alone was difficult for many, and now, just two years later, this violent end to a holiday gathering adds another painful chapter to an already heartbreaking story.

While the motive remains unclear, the newly released emergency calls serve as a powerful reminder of how quickly situations can spiral. What began as a family gathering ended in deep sorrow, and the emotional wounds left behind are still fresh for those closest to the victims.

There are no further investigations, as the case is now considered closed. But for the family and friends of Maryalice Cash, Cynthia Domini, and even David De Nitto, the pain is far from over.

This Christmas Eve will forever be remembered not for joy or celebration, but for the lives lost and the heartbreak that followed.