Augusta, Georgia tragedy as Melissa Cui Domingo and mother Elizabeth Domingo lose lives in parking lot

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A heartbreaking scene unfolded in Augusta on Sunday evening as 37-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo and her 74-year-old mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo, lost their lives in what investigators are describing as a domestic-related double homicide. The incident took place during a custody exchange outside a busy Best Buy on Walton Way Extension, drawing swift emergency response and widespread shock within the community.

According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 6:12 p.m. after multiple 911 callers reported gunfire erupting in the store’s parking lot. When deputies arrived within minutes, they discovered Melissa and her mother suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving attempts, both women were pronounced deceased at the scene by Deputy Coroner John Rutland at 6:47 p.m., leaving behind a tragic reminder of the lingering dangers associated with domestic violence cases.

The suspected shooter has been identified as 37-year-old Hajir Talebzadeh, Melissa’s ex-husband, who was also injured during the encounter and transported to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center. Authorities confirmed his condition as stable and announced that murder warrants have already been secured against him. Once released from medical care, he will be taken into custody and booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. Investigators remain tight-lipped about how Talebzadeh sustained his injuries during the incident.

Adding to the devastation is the fact that Melissa and Hajir’s 5-year-old child was present during the exchange and witnessed the harrowing violence firsthand. Fortunately, the child was not physically harmed and has since been placed under the care of the Department of Family and Children Services. Authorities have emphasized that the child’s wellbeing remains a priority as both immediate family members are no longer alive to provide care and protection.

The events of Sunday evening are all the more tragic given Melissa’s recent legal battle that had placed her in the public eye. Just weeks ago, a Richmond County judge had dismissed charges against her related to a 2021 shooting in which she injured Talebzadeh during what she and her legal team argued was an act of self-defense. At the time, Melissa presented evidence of enduring years of abuse, leading the court to grant her immunity under Georgia’s self-defense laws.

For many advocates, Melissa’s case had been viewed as a victory for survivors of domestic abuse, signaling that the justice system could recognize the plight of victims forced to defend themselves. Yet, this latest turn of events underscores the persistent dangers survivors face, even after they navigate the legal system and attempt to move forward with their lives. Authorities and domestic violence organizations alike are urging renewed focus on ensuring survivor safety beyond the courtroom.

The parking lot where the tragedy occurred was bustling with activity at the time, and numerous bystanders reportedly witnessed the confrontation unfold. Shoppers described the scene as chaotic, with families scrambling to safety amid the sound of gunfire. Many expressed disbelief that such violence erupted in a public commercial space, underscoring the far-reaching impact of domestic disputes that spill beyond the confines of the home.

Investigators continue piecing together the sequence of events, including how Talebzadeh was able to confront Melissa and her mother during the exchange. Questions remain as to whether additional security measures or protective orders were in place following Melissa’s successful defense case in court. Officials have not yet provided details on whether prior warnings or threats had been reported leading up to Sunday evening’s tragedy.

Community members have begun rallying around the Domingo family, expressing sorrow and frustration at the cycle of violence that claimed two lives. Local leaders and advocacy groups are calling for stronger protections for domestic abuse survivors, including comprehensive safety planning and long-term monitoring of abusers after court proceedings conclude. Many fear that without systemic change, other families could face similar heartbreak.

As investigators prepare to formally charge Talebzadeh with murder upon his release from the hospital, the Augusta community mourns the devastating loss of Melissa and Elizabeth Domingo. Their deaths serve as a painful reminder of the lingering dangers tied to domestic abuse and the need for vigilant community support. The tragedy has left family, friends, and neighbors grappling with grief while also reigniting urgent conversations about how to prevent such devastating outcomes in the future.