News Summary
In a shocking incident in Augusta, Georgia, two women were shot and killed in the parking lot of a Best Buy store. The victims, identified as 37-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo and her mother, 74-year-old Elizabeth Cui Domingo, were confirmed deceased shortly after emergency responders arrived. The suspected shooter, Hajir Talebzadeh, is Melissa’s former husband and was injured during the incident. Authorities emphasize the need for community vigilance regarding domestic violence as investigations continue.
Augusta, Georgia – A tragic shooting in the parking lot of a Best Buy left two women dead on Sunday evening, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. The victims have been identified as 37-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo and her mother, 74-year-old Elizabeth Cui Domingo, both residents of Evans, Georgia.
The incident occurred around 6:12 p.m., and emergency responders arrived shortly after multiple 911 calls reported shots fired. Despite efforts to save them, the victims were pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. by the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.
The Office has confirmed that the suspected shooter is 37-year-old Hajir Talebzadeh, who was the former husband of Melissa Cui Domingo. Talebzadeh was transported to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center with injuries and is currently in stable condition. His history with Melissa includes a tumultuous relationship, culminating in their divorce in November 2024.
According to court records, Melissa was arrested in 2022 following an incident in which she allegedly shot Talebzadeh in the head during a domestic disturbance. This background raised concerns among investigators, who believe the recent shooting was also domestic-related, based on witness statements and camera evidence collected from the scene.
A young child was present during the shooting but fortunately remained unharmed. Child welfare workers have since taken custody of the child, highlighting the traumatic impact of the incident on innocent bystanders. Authorities are currently addressing the emotional and psychological support that may be needed for the child and any witnesses.
As this incident has raised alarm within the community, Sheriff Eugene Brantley expressed his concern for the emotional trauma faced by the child and the impact on families involved. The Sheriff emphasized the need for community support in the wake of such violence, which often results in grief and broken families.
In response to the shooting, law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol aviation unit, Augusta Fire Department, and Central EMS, mobilized quickly to the scene, illustrating the coordinated effort among local agencies to handle such situations effectively.
Authorities are in the process of obtaining murder warrants against Talebzadeh, and they have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat related to this incident. The investigation remains active, gathering further evidence and interviewing witnesses to compile a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
This incident underscores the troubling issue of domestic violence, which remains a critical concern for community safety and public health. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office continues to affirm its commitment to address domestic violence issues and provide support for victims within the community.
As the investigation unfolds, local residents are reminded of the importance of vigilance and reporting any concerns related to domestic violence or suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Shooting Outside Best Buy Claims Two Lives
Domestic Shooting in Augusta Leaves Two Dead
Tragic Domestic Shooting in Augusta Leaves Two Dead
TicketMaster Experiences Error 401 Not Allowed Issues
Facing Error 401 with TicketMaster? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Trouble in TicketLand: Error 401 Not Allowed Roams TicketMaster Users
Richmond County Authorities Arrest Two Suspects in Shootings
My Place Hotels Opens New Location in Augusta
Community Mourns the Loss of Two Esteemed Women
Tragic Shooting of Young Boy in Houston
Additional Resources
- WJBF: Two Dead After Shooting at Best Buy
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- 11Alive: 2 Dead, 1 Injured Shooting at Best Buy Augusta
- Google Search: Best Buy shooting Augusta
- Augusta Chronicle: Two Fatally Shot Outside Best Buy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- WFXG: Victims, Suspect Identified in Best Buy Parking Lot Shooting
- Google News: Augusta Best Buy shooting
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
