On June 22, 2023, at approximately 12:40 p.m. Lake Havasu City Police Officers were dispatched to a residence within the 3000 block of Appaloosa Dr. regarding a shooting. The caller advised dispatch that she just shot a male subject who was in her residence.

Upon officers’ arrival, they contacted the shooter who was identified as 60-year-old Lake Havasu City resident Julia Peat. Officers also located a male subject within the residence, who has been identified a 69-year-old male, deceased from several gunshot wounds.

Detectives from the Lake Havasu City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit responded to investigate the scene. During the investigation, it was found that Peat, who was in a dating relationship with the male, intentionally shot him. Peat claimed that she was in fear for her life due to reportedly hearing about some possible past criminal history; however, the investigation revealed that the victim did not threaten or harm Peat at the time of the shooting. As a result of no valid self-defense claim, Peat was arrested and charged with first-degree homicide. 

The investigation is ongoing, and further pertinent details will be released as they become available. The male victim’s next-of-kin has not yet been notified. Therefore, his identity has not been disclosed at this time.

Public Information Officer: Detective Chris Angus