A tragic incident unfolded in an upscale neighborhood in New York City, where a grandmother took the life of her former daughter-in-law before ending her own. Marisa Galloway, a 45-year-old mother of two, was shot by Kathleen Leigh, 65, as she was putting her 1-year-old daughter in her car. The horrific act occurred amidst a custody dispute over Galloway’s 4-year-old daughter.
The authorities revealed that Leigh, a retired probation officer from Chicago, had been living in New York City for the past three years. She shot Galloway in the head and back before turning the gun on herself. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Galloway succumbed to her injuries. The 1-year-old in the car was unharmed, while the older daughter was not present during the incident.
It was reported that there had been several domestic incident reports and complaints related to the ongoing custody battle between Galloway and Leigh’s son. Despite the troubling history, no arrests had been made prior to the tragic event. Neighbors shared concerns about Galloway’s well-being, with one recalling interactions with Child Protective Services.
Galloway, a dedicated middle school special education teacher and track coach, had recently resigned from her job to focus on her daughters. She was described as a loving mother, avid runner, and a cherished member of the Central Park Track Club and Fordham University community. Tributes poured in for Galloway, highlighting her positive impact on those around her.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, support services for mental health and crisis intervention were highlighted. Resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and international associations were shared to encourage those in need to seek help. The community mourns the loss of Marisa Galloway and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and support for those struggling.
