PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Paxton Wallace was just 31 years old when she was brutally murdered in her home, allegedly by her longtime boyfriend, Jeffrey Rael, 47, who police said confessed to the crime.
“She was really strong. She did everything with grace and humility,” said Alida Wallace, Paxton’s sister.
“She wasn’t old. She wasn’t sick. Somebody chose to end her life. Somebody chose to take her from us,” said Tiffany Wallace, Paxton’s aunt.
Both are in shock that the man they trusted to protect Paxton is accused of taking her life. Family members remember Paxton as a bright light who loved her faith, her two dogs, and going out to breakfast with family on Sundays.
Even though Rael has a criminal history, they never expected he would kill her.
“Just wild. I mean, we’ve spent holidays with him. We’ve shared our home with him for multiple years,” Alida said. “We had many cherished moments with him before this, and now they’re just all stained.”
“This will just be generational pain that you can’t soothe,” Tiffany said.
Detectives said around 3:40 a.m. on Friday, Rael called 911 and said “he had to kill her because she was possessed.”
“She was trying to get out. She was trying to reach out for help. There’s, there are shelters, there are places, but there’s a wait list. There’s a lottery. It’s a hope you get in,” Tiffany said.
Court documents revealed disturbing details. When police arrived on scene, Rael was armed with a hammer and cross. A blood-soaked chainsaw was found in the kitchen and Paxton was unrecognizable.
Recent data from the Council on Criminal Justice show violent offenses in Phoenix and other major cities across the country declined in the first half of this year, compared to the same time frame in 2024.
Domestic violence is the sole outlier with cases rising by 3%.
“No one wants to say that someone who said they love them is hurting them,” Alida said. Looking back, they worry Paxton suffered more than she led on, not wanting to be a burden.
“If there’s anyone out there that is feeling that way, you’re not a burden,” Tiffany said. “Reach out, get help. Don’t be what Paxton’s life ended in.”
As they process the sudden loss, Paxton’s family is clinging to the happy memories.
“Thanksgiving was her holiday. She was a small girl, but she loved to eat,” Tiffany said.
But instead of preparing for Thanksgiving, they’re planning a funeral.
“It just doesn’t feel real,” Alida said.
“We pray that she knew she was loved,” Tiffany said.
Rael is charged with first-degree murder and is being held on a $1 million bond.
“If there’s anyone out there that is feeling that way, you’re not a burden,” said Tiffany. “Reach out, get help. Don’t be what Paxton’s life ended in.”
As they process the sudden loss, Paxton’s family is clinging to the happy memories.
“Thanksgiving was her holiday. She was a small girl, but she loved to eat,” said Tiffany.
But instead of preparing for Thanksgiving, they’re planning a funeral.
“It just doesn’t feel real,” said Alida.
“We pray that she knew she was loved,” said Tiffany.
Rael is charged with first-degree murder and is being held on a $1 million bond.
As the court case plays out, Paxton’s loved ones are organizing the funeral services. A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover the cost.
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