An Augusta, Georgia parking lot became the scene of a devastating tragedy on Sunday evening after a violent custody exchange ended in bloodshed. Authorities say 41-year-old Hajir Talebzadeh opened fire on his ex-wife, Melissa Cui Domingo, 41, and her mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo, 79, killing them both outside a Best Buy store.
The incident unfolded just after 6 p.m., when police were called to the retail parking lot. Officers arrived to find both women suffering from fatal gunshot wounds to the upper body. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Talebzadeh was also injured during the altercation and was transported to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center for treatment. Once discharged on Tuesday, he was booked into the Richmond County Jail, where he now faces two counts of murder and one count of cruelty to children, according to WDRW.
This shocking act of violence occurred during what should have been a routine custody exchange for the couple’s 5-year-old son, a child now left without his mother and grandmother.
Court records reveal a disturbing history between Talebzadeh and Melissa Domingo. Less than three weeks before the fatal shooting, a judge dismissed charges against Domingo stemming from a December 31, 2021 incident, when she shot Talebzadeh.
The court’s findings paint a harrowing picture of ongoing domestic violence and psychological control.
“Based on the credible evidence presented, the Court finds that Melissa Domingo has met her burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that she reasonably believed the use of force was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to herself,” the ruling stated.
The judge further wrote: “The Court finds that the evidence established a pattern of psychological abuse, control, and threats by Hajir Talebzadeh toward Melissa Domingo. The Court finds credible testimony regarding animal abuse, which speaks to the character and potential for violence of the Hajir Talebzadeh.”
Melissa Domingo’s divorce was finalized last year, and despite the court’s recognition of Talebzadeh’s abusive behavior, custody of their young son was shared. Domingo retained primary custody, but Talebzadeh continued to have access to the child, a fact that has reignited debate on family court decisions in cases involving domestic violence.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how a man with such an abusive history was still permitted joint custody, and whether the outcome could have been prevented.
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