TEMPE, Ariz. – A tragic shooting at a Little Caesars restaurant has left two people dead, and a 27-year-old man is now facing charges for the killings of his wife and her co-worker.
Benjamin Visser has been charged with first-degree murder following an incident that occurred Monday morning. Authorities identified the victims as 21-year-old Mary Visser, Benjamin’s wife, and 32-year-old Shaquille Simmons, who was on duty at the time of the attack. Police arrived at the scene shortly after 9 a.m. to find both victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Witnesses reported seeing Benjamin Visser confront Simmons outside the restaurant before escalating to violence. Security footage captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing that Visser allegedly fired at Simmons as he arrived for his shift, then turned the gun on his wife inside the establishment.
Mary Visser reportedly managed to dial 911 but couldn’t relay her situation before her husband intervened. He communicated with the dispatcher, admitting to the shooting and pleading for assistance shortly after the incident.
Investigators revealed that tensions had been running high between the couple that morning, fueled by financial difficulties and Benjamin Visser’s unemployment. During his questioning, he expressed feelings of jealousy regarding his wife’s interactions with Simmons, although authorities noted he had no evidence to substantiate these claims.
Family members of Simmons addressed the allegations, firmly stating that the two had only a professional relationship, putting to rest any notions of romantic involvement.
Further inquiries into Benjamin Visser’s behavior indicated a pattern of controlling actions, including monitoring his wife’s whereabouts and social interactions. Reports surfaced of a previous confrontation at the restaurant, which had left employees unsettled by his aggression.
According to witnesses, Visser had been observed frequently watching his wife from outside the Little Caesars during her shifts in the weeks leading up to the tragedy. His apparent fixation raised concerns among staff members.
After the shooting, police apprehended Benjamin Visser at the scene without resistance. The emotional toll of the events is compounded by the fact that Mary Visser leaves behind a six-month-old child, adding immense grief for both families involved.
As the case develops, Benjamin Visser remains in custody with a bail set at $2 million. Investigators continue to delve into the circumstances surrounding the double homicide, seeking to understand the series of events that led to this heart-wrenching outcome.