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Denise Lewis, 27, had apparently had enough of her girlfriend’s heroin use — during an argument over the matter, Lewis shot her in the face, killing her.
According to court records obtained by New Times, Glendale police were called to an apartment in the 6800 block of North 67th Avenue about 10:15 Monday night after neighbors reported hearing gunshots coming from the apartment.
When police arrived, they found Deeta Juluke, Lewis’ girlfriend, in the bathroom. She’d apparently been shot in the upper lip, the responding officer notes in his report.
Glendale fire officials tried to save Juluke, but were unable. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Also in the home was Lewis, who told police she and Juluke had been living together in the apartment for about eight months.
Neighbors told detectives they’d heard the couple argue in the past. They also told police that Lewis came to their apartment after the shooting, telling them she’d shot Juluke and needed help.
Following her arrest, Lewis told police that she’d shot Juluke, but that it was an accident. She told police the two had been arguing over Juluke’s heroin addiction when she pointed a loaded gun in her face. The gun, Lewis told police, then went off, hitting Juluke in the face.
Lewis was booked into a Maricopa County jail on one count of second-degree murder.