UPDATE: Father and Sister Arrested in Connection to Yuma Homicide

YUMA, Ariz. — The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) has confirmed that Daniel Harris, 38, and his daughter Danica Watts, 21, have been arrested in connection with the homicide of Michael Patrick Reiter, 24, following a welfare check at a home in the 800 Block of S. Almond Avenue.

On Monday, September 8, 2025, investigators booked Harris, the victim’s father, into the Yuma County Detention Center on First-Degree Homicide per Domestic Violence. Watts, the victim’s sister, was booked on First-Degree Homicide per Domestic Violence and Hindering Prosecution.

The Initial Incident

The case began late on Friday, September 5, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m., when deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 800 Block of S. Almond Avenue in Yuma. Responding officers discovered Michael Reiter suffering from severe injuries.

Medical crews from Rural Metro Fire Department transported him to Onvida Health before he was later airlifted to a Phoenix-area hospital. Despite efforts to save his life, Reiter succumbed to his injuries on September 6.

Community Reaction

The revelation that Reiter’s own father and sister are accused of killing him has left neighbors and community members stunned.

“This is just heartbreaking,” one neighbor said. “It’s tragic enough to lose someone so young, but to hear that his own family is accused is just unimaginable.”

Ongoing Investigation

While Harris and Watts remain in custody, YCSO stresses that this is still an active investigation. Detectives are reviewing evidence and witness accounts while continuing to search for a possible motive.

How to Help

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or call 78-CRIME anonymously.

A Family Torn Apart

As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn Michael Patrick Reiter, whose life was cut short at just 24 years old. His death, combined with the arrests of his father and sister, has left a deep scar on the Yuma community and serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of family violence.