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Man shot by police died at ex’s home
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A 44-year-old man who was shot by police Sunday died at the home of a woman whom he had pleaded guilty to harassing three months ago.
Barry Recker’s ex-girlfriend, Deborah Rohn, and an ex-wife have leveled accusations he badgered them with verbal abuse, death threats and stalked them, according to court records.
Rohn called police to her home in the 6600 block of East Holiday Drive about 12:38 a.m. to report that someone was knocking on her front door, and she believed it was Recker, who was ordered by the court to stay away.
When officers arrived about 13 minutes later, Recker displayed a handgun. He refused to drop the gun, so one officer shot him, according to Detective Diana Tapia, Mesa police spokeswoman.
Recker’s sister, Suzanne Recker, said Monday that the family was told by detectives that Recker shot himself as well.
“I cannot confirm that,” Tapia said. “We’re still looking at that.”
Rohn had taken out an order of protection from Mesa Municipal Court in April, alleging Recker constantly called her at work and on her cell phone and would show up at stores where she shopped.
“Barry Recker climbed a fence and entered my home uninvited,” Rohn wrote.
Recker’s ex-wife complained of similar behavior in an order of protection in January 2004, also alleging that he threatened her life.
Tapia said police were called April 15 to Rohn’s home and Recker admitted to calling her to acknowledge he was served with the order of protection.
Recker pleaded guilty Aug. 31 to violating a court order.
Suzanne Recker said it was her perception that her brother and Rohn had an on-again, off-again relationship that was often emotionally volatile but not physically violent.
“He’s not a monster. He’s not an abuser,” Suzanne Recker said.
Rohn did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Recker is survived by two sons, 24 and 14 years old.
Suzanne Recker said her brother had a temper, but he also had a soft side.
He hadn’t worked in several years since a botched gall bladder operation that left him in pain daily. She said he was despondent about his breakup with Rohn but he seemed to be in good spirits on Oct. 30, the last time she spoke with him.
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