GILBERT, AZ – A 26-year-old man is facing a murder charge after authorities say he fatally shot his girlfriend in the early hours of Monday, then contacted both 911 and his father to confess what had happened.

According to Gilbert police, the incident took place shortly before 1 a.m. inside a home in Gilbert, where Judah Chesley allegedly fired a gun at his girlfriend, striking her in the face. Neither police nor investigators have publicly released the victim’s name.

After the shooting, Chesley reportedly made a series of calls, first to his father, describing how he shot his girlfriend but could not explain why it happened. He then dialed emergency services, telling a dispatcher he was disoriented and unsure about what to do next. During the call, Chesley admitted to being intoxicated, saying he woke up in what he called “a drunken stupor.”

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Chesley with blood on his hands and clothing, according to police documents. A Glock 9 mm handgun, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting, was recovered nearby and also showed bloodstains.

Authorities spoke to family members who were present in the house at the time of the incident. Chesley’s mother and stepfather said they were asleep during the shooting and did not witness the incident. They described Chesley as someone who could become easily aggravated and admitted he owned several firearms.

Chesley’s father told investigators that his son’s mental health had declined over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting a reluctance to seek help from mental health professionals. The father also detailed his son’s confusion about the night’s events, telling police that Chesley repeatedly said he didn’t know how the shooting occurred.

Additional interviews with the victim’s family revealed a troubled history between the couple. Relatives recounted frequent arguments between Chesley and his girlfriend. In one previous altercation, Chesley allegedly used a Taser on her, according to statements given to investigators.

Following his arrest, Chesley was booked on suspicion of second-degree murder. As of Tuesday, court officials said the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office had not yet formally filed charges in the case.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and have not indicated whether any additional charges may be forthcoming. The victim’s family has been notified, but authorities have withheld her identity as they complete next-of-kin notifications.

Authorities have not commented on any potential motive, but have noted Chesley’s statements about his mental state and the couple’s history of conflict as factors in the investigation. Chesley remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.