Matthew Wasar, 42, was shot dead in Peoria, Arizona, on June 21, 2014, after a family dispute over a romantic relationship escalated into violence. Police were called shortly after 1 p.m. to an apartment complex near 85th Avenue and Grand Avenue, where responding officers found Matthew mortally wounded from a gunshot to the chest. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead that afternoon.

Court filings and reports describe mounting tension: Christopher Michael Wasar’s then-wife, Jessica Graham, had been involved romantically with Matthew. That day Christopher and Jessica forced their way into Matthew’s apartment, held his roommate at gunpoint, then encountered Matthew sitting in a vehicle outside. Accounts differ on the immediate moments — investigators later alleged Matthew stepped out holding a knife, while witness statements described Christopher opening the car door, pointing a gun, punching Matthew and firing a single close-range shot.

Christopher was arrested at the scene and initially charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping and burglary. By December 4, 2015, the murder charge had been resolved as a felony manslaughter conviction, and Christopher received a five-year prison sentence.