PHOENIX, AZ – Authorities have charged a Phoenix man with second-degree murder after he allegedly shot his mother and then attempted to reverse his call for help. Aaron Morse, 51, is accused of killing his 74-year-old mother, Susan Morse, at their residence on April 16.

The complex situation unfolded when Aaron Morse contacted emergency services, initially indicating he had shot his mother. However, from his location outside the home, he reportedly then asked dispatchers to disregard the call, implying that there was no issue and that his mother was simply engaged in her pottery work inside her studio.

When Phoenix police responded to the scene, they discovered Susan Morse with a fatal gunshot injury to her head. She was quickly transported to a local hospital, where she was subsequently declared dead.

Authorities say Aaron Morse allegedly discharged the firearm and then concealed it in a plastic container after removing the ammunition. During the 911 call, he offered no details about the argument he claimed had preceded the incident.

Prosecutors, during Morse’s initial court appearance, pointed out his alleged struggles with alcohol. Officers reportedly detected an odor of alcohol emanating from him at the site of the shooting.

When questioned about the events leading up to the tragic event, Morse allegedly replied simply with “arguing.”

Additional observations by police at the scene included blood on Morse’s hands and shoes. In a conversation about his legal proceedings, Morse was reported to have pessimistically remarked on the severity of his alleged crime.

Morse is currently detained at the Maricopa County Jail, facing charges of second-degree murder and evidence tampering.