Phoenix Man Accused of Murdering Girlfriend, Claiming She Was 'Possessed'

Tragic Discovery and Allegations

• 💔 Paxton Wallace, 31, was found brutally killed in her Phoenix home, allegedly by her long-term boyfriend, Jeffrey Rael, 47.
• 📞 Rael reportedly called 911 himself, claiming he committed the murder because Wallace was "possessed."
• 🔪 Officers arriving at the scene found Wallace dead with severe injuries, and a chainsaw covered in blood, hair, and biological matter was discovered in the kitchen.
• ⚖️ Rael was detained, taken to a hospital, and subsequently booked into jail, facing a first-degree murder charge with a $1 million bond.

Relationship Dynamics and Red Flags

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Paxton's family had welcomed Rael into their lives over the years, spending holidays together and believing they knew him well.
• ⚠️ Despite outward appearances, the family now believes Paxton may have been trying to leave the relationship and was possibly suffering in silence.
• 🗣️ Her aunt stated Paxton was "trying to get out" and "trying to reach out for help," highlighting the difficulties in escaping abusive relationships.

Legal and Investigative Perspectives

• 🧠 Attorney Eric Faddis notes that domestic violence cases can escalate to lethality and gruesome circumstances, unfortunately not being uncommon.
• 📞 The 911 call from Rael, confessing and stating his motive, is considered unusual and problematic for the defense, suggesting a consciousness of guilt.
• 🚫 The defense of not guilty by reason of insanity is unlikely, as Rael's call to police indicates an awareness of wrongdoing, and the presence of multiple weapons suggests premeditation.

Criminal History and Risk Assessment

• 📜 Rael has a documented criminal history, including aggravated assault charges dating back to 2012, with one count resulting in a guilty conviction.
• 📈 In 2022, he faced another criminal case with multiple counts, one of which led to a guilty conviction in January 2023.
• ⚠️ This history of violence is considered aggravating from a prosecutor's standpoint and raises concerns about risk assessment in new relationships.

Broader Societal Context

• 📈 Statistics indicate that while overall violent offenses may be declining in some cities, domestic violence incidents have seen a rise of approximately 3% nationally.
• 🗣️ An increase in reporting could be a contributing factor to these statistics, suggesting more individuals are coming forward despite the difficulties and stigma.
• 🙏 Paxton's family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and other expenses, describing her as bright, selfless, and resilient, with unfinished dreams.