A retired probation officer who was terminally ill shot and killed her ex-daughter-in-law before taking her own life. The tragic incident happened on the Upper East Side, and it was revealed that the retired officer had a mysterious note in her pocket with the words “For Police” written on it. The contents of the note remain unclear at this time.
The victim, a mother of two named Marisa Galloway, was shot by her ex-mother-in-law, Kathleen Leigh, while she was putting her 1-year-old daughter in the backseat of a car during a custody exchange. The young child was unharmed in the shooting. Galloway and Leigh were involved in a bitter custody feud over a 4-year-old girl they shared.
Neighbors of the victim described Galloway as a caring and loving mother, which contradicted Leigh’s claims that Galloway was abusing the child. Several domestic incidents were reported between Galloway and her ex-husband, with allegations of bruises on the child. However, two of the complaints made to the Administration for Children’s Services were deemed unfounded.
The tragic incident was captured on security footage, showing Leigh shooting Galloway and then turning the gun on herself. Galloway was found alive but covered in blood, while Leigh was pronounced dead at the scene. Galloway later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
The investigation into this heartbreaking incident is ongoing, with authorities trying to piece together the events leading up to the deadly shooting. The motive behind Leigh’s actions and the contents of the mysterious note found in her pocket are still under investigation.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the devastating impact of domestic disputes on families. It highlights the need for better support systems for individuals going through challenging situations, especially when children are involved. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to determine the full extent of the circumstances surrounding this senseless act of violence.