Phoenix Man Charged with Murder, Claims Victim Was Possessed During Brutal Assault
A Phoenix man is facing first-degree murder charges following the death of his girlfriend, with authorities describing the crime scene as “brutal.” The suspect, identified as Jeffrey Rael, allegedly told police he killed Paxton Wallace because he believed she was experiencing demonic possession.
Phoenix police responded to a domestic violence call at approximately 3:40 a.m. on November 7th near 23rd Avenue and Grant Street. Upon arrival, officers found Jeffrey Rael, 47, standing in his front yard with apparent blood on his clothing. He immediately admitted to killing his girlfriend, claiming she was possessed and needed to be stopped, according to court documents.
Paxton Wallace, 31, was discovered unresponsive in the living room and pronounced dead by firefighters. First responders noted her face was unrecognizable due to extensive trauma. A bloodied chainsaw was found on the kitchen counter, and investigators determined Wallace suffered facial and bodily lacerations, as well as broken bones.
According to a probable cause statement, Rael detailed a nearly two-hour assault on Wallace, utilizing various tools, including the chainsaw, in an attempt to fend off the alleged demonic influence. He claimed Wallace “woke up like she was possessed” and began throwing objects, becoming agitated after he disposed of fentanyl down the toilet. Rael further alleged she attempted to retrieve a handgun from her waistband, though police were unable to locate any firearm at the scene.
“He said he needed to kill her because she was possessed,” a source close to the investigation stated.
Rael also told officers he was defending himself from being stabbed. He was subsequently taken to a hospital after admitting to consuming a large amount of cocaine.
This is not Rael’s first encounter with the law. Records from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry show prior convictions for aggravated assault in 2012, and twice for aggravated DUI in 2010 and 2023. During his previous incarcerations, he faced multiple infractions, including assault on staff and drug possession.
Rael is currently being held on a $1 million bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 17th. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to Wallace’s death.
