The Casa Grande Police Department has arrested 32-year-old Casa Grande resident Christopher Lawrence Chase in connection with a homicide investigation. Christopher was arrested in the 200 block of North Morrison Avenue after he called 911 to turn himself in for the murder of his father, 57-year-old Casa Grande resident Thomas Chase.
On July 24, 2023, at 1:43 a.m., the Casa Grande Fire Department responded to a residence at 200 North Brown Avenue regarding a structure fire. When they arrived, firefighters witnessed a subject flee from the property. Firefighters yelled for the subject to stop and return, but he continued to flee the area. Firefighters then extinguished a fire in a burning 55-gallon metal barrel. They also saw portions of a human body inside the barrel.
Casa Grande Police responded and began an investigation.
Approximately 30 minutes later, Christopher called 911 from the 200 block of North Morrison Avenue and advised that he disposed of a body by burning it and ran away when the fire department arrived. Officer arrived on scene and detained Christopher.
Officers determined Christopher held three individuals at gunpoint at the Morrison house, including a 57-year-old female, a 68-year-old male, and a 41-year-old male. Christopher demanded keys to their vehicle before ultimately calling 911 to turn himself in. None of these victims were physically injured.
Investigators have determined Christopher and his father, Thomas, were involved in a physical altercation on July 22nd at Thomas’ home in the 1700 block of North Terrace Circle. This altercation led to Christopher fatally shooting Thomas and then dismembering his body. Further investigation has determined Christopher was aided by his 56-year-old mother, Melissa Lynne Chase, in the concealment and cleanup of evidence.
Christopher Chase was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center and charges of Murder, Abandonment/Concealment of a Dead Body, Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, and Tampering with Evidence will be forwarded to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for review.
Melissa Chase was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center and charges of Abandonment/Concealment of a Dead Body and Tampering with Evidence will be forwarded to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for review.