Widow of Glendale Shooting Victim: “He’s a Stranger to Me Now”

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Nearly a week after a tense standoff with police, the widow of Karl Komorowski shared her feelings about the traumatic events that unfolded on September 4. “It feels like I’m in between a nightmare and a dream,” she expressed. “It’s like I’m in limbo.”

The night of the standoff, Glendale Police responded to concerns from neighbors and family that Komorowski had violated an order of protection and was inside the home. “When I don’t answer for long periods of time, my family and friends know something is wrong,” she recalled, noting that a concerned neighbor had prompted her to check on the situation.

As she opened the door, her fears escalated when her neighbor inquired about her safety and Komorowski’s presence in the home. Seeking to defuse the escalating situation, she took her 6-year-old daughter outside. By this time, police were already on the scene.

“The next thing I know there’s a slew of cop cars, SUVs; I see SWAT with weapons pointed at our house,” she stated. After hours of negotiation attempts that failed to yield compliance from Komorowski, the situation took a tragic turn. Authorities reported that he exited the home while firing a rifle at officers, who then fatally shot him.

Komorowski and his widow had been married for seven years. She described the early days of their relationship fondly, recalling him as “super fun and funny.” However, over time, she observed a marked change in his behavior, noting increased volatility. In July, Komorowski faced arrest on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, although he was never formally charged as the case was referred back to police for further investigation.

In light of his troubling actions, she sought a protection order against him. “It was all for my protection and to keep our daughter safe,” she explained. “He was not the person I married. We tried many different outlets to get him help.” Despite her efforts and support, the strain on their relationship intensified.

Now, as she navigates this unimaginable loss, she strives to remain strong for herself and her daughter. Community support has rallied around her as friends set up a GoFundMe page to aid with the recovery from the damage inflicted during the standoff.

In these difficult times, she remains focused on finding a way forward amidst the uncertainty.