Family 'devastated' by MCSO deputy's death

ANTHEM, AZ - The family of fallen MCSO deputy Bill Coleman released a statement Monday night saying they are 'devastated' by his murder over the weekend in Anthem.

"Deputy Coleman, best known as a tough guy on the outside, but teddy bear on the inside, loved serving his community," said Coleman's wife, Beth.  "But even more, (Coleman) loved coming home from the job to his four children and to the loving arms of his best friend and wife, Beth."

Coleman and a partner responded to a burglar alarm Sunday morning at a pediatrician's office in Anthem when detectives say they were confronted by 30-year-old Drew Maras.

Investigators say Maras opened fire on Coleman, hitting and killing the 20-year-veteran and father of four children.

The statement went on to say "Deputy Coleman’s wife is focusing on helping their children – two of the four under the age of 10—deal with this tremendous loss."

All over the internet, and on Maras' own Facebook page, he talks about his belief in paranormal activity.

ABC15 received permission from the host of the Whispers Radio show in which Maras was interviewed about his belief that the world will end on December 21st, 2012.

"I'm not afraid of 2012," Maras said in the interview.  "We need to unite.  We need to love more, hate less with the facts at hand.  Live differently because of this knowledge.  But I am not afraid."

The following is the Coleman family's statement in its entirety:

The Coleman family, although devastated by the loss of their best friend and father, want to express their appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and people they do not even know. The love felt by the family from the community is certainly helping them cope as they try to work through the many emotions of this senseless crime. Deputy Coleman, best known as a tough guy on the outside, but teddy bear on the inside, loved serving his community, but even more, loved coming home from the job to his four children and to the loving arms of his best friend and wife, Beth. Bill was looking forward to going back to day shift next week so he could spend more time with his family. He was also proud of completing 20 years of service and possibly retiring. Deputy Coleman’s wife is focusing on helping their children – two of the four under the age of 10—deal with this tremendous loss. Beth, with all her heart, said first and foremost that although she asks for privacy, wanted to be sure to thank everyone, for their outpouring of love and support. .  Bill sacrificed everything to protect us and our community. Bill would always make you laugh and would always help anyone out.  Bill has touched many lives, he will be missed but not forgotten.

An account has been set up in Deputy Coleman's memory through Desert Schools Federal Credit Union.  You can help by donating to the Deputy Coleman Memorial Fund acct # 6000123586, Routing # 122187238