My name is Nicolette Connolly. On July 25, 2025, my eldest daughter was murdered by her boyfriend, the father of her infant son. He was immediately arrested and is still in custody awaiting trial for second-degree homicide. Child Services took legal custody of my grandson, placed him in my home/care, and have initiated the process of adoption.

I am employed and have a really good job. I was able to take two months off to grieve and am supposed to be back working full-time. I work the graveyard shift and am not able to change those hours anytime soon. This makes finding childcare difficult since DCS has legal custody; a licensed childcare provider is required. I have found zero licensed providers available during my shift. My caseworker was able to approve the addition of my mom to the paperwork so she can help with childcare when she can, but we have yet to receive the official paperwork which will be required at enrollment.

I was able to receive some assistance to cover my rent and utilities during the two months I took off from work. But I am now behind in rent and facing eviction if I can't get caught up really quick. I have tried all of the community resources available in my area (Phoenix) and was able to get assistance for utilities but only get the runaround when trying to get help with rent. I am a single mother of teenage twins, and I have been their only support their whole lives.

I just need to get caught up so we don't lose our place.

https://www.abc15.com/news/region-southeast-valley/chandler/woman-dead-man-in-custody-after-shooting-and-barricade-in-chandler