News Summary
Hajir Talebzadeh has been charged with the double murder of his ex-wife, Melissa Cui Domingo, and her mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo, during a custody exchange at a Best Buy in Augusta. The incident, which involved domestic violence history, has sparked outrage in the community. The victims’ son, present at the scene, is now in protective custody. Safe Homes advocates for stronger protections against domestic violence following this tragic event.
Augusta
A 41-year-old man, Hajir Talebzadeh, has been arrested and charged with the double murder of his ex-wife, 37-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo, and her 79-year-old mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo. The tragic shooting occurred during what was reported as a custody exchange in the parking lot of a Best Buy store in Augusta, Georgia.
The incident took place on the same day the victims were found shot in the upper body and pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. Local law enforcement officials confirmed that Talebzadeh has been charged with two counts of murder and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree. A 6-year-old boy, Melissa Domingo’s son, was present during the shooting but was unharmed and is now in the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services.
This violent episode has drawn attention to the couple’s tumultuous history, which includes previous allegations of domestic violence. Melissa Domingo had recently been cleared of charges related to shooting Talebzadeh in 2021, a case that was ruled as self-defense by a Richmond County judge after evidence showed she had been subjected to years of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
Community reactions have been filled with outrage and grief, with many residents questioning how the local law enforcement and judicial systems could have failed to prevent this escalation of violence. Safe Homes, a local organization dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence, emphasized the importance of addressing systemic failures in the protection of victims. They advocate for better support systems to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
A memorial has been established at the shooting scene, filled with heartfelt messages from family and friends mourning the loss of both victims. Melissa Domingo is remembered as a devoted mother and a cherished loved one, while Elizabeth Domingo, her mother, is recalled for her gentle and loving nature.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Talebzadeh was hospitalized due to unspecified injuries sustained during the incident but is now stable and awaiting transport to jail once he is released from medical care. Authorities have confirmed that the shooting was a domestic-related incident and have indicated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into this tragic event, highlighting the vital role of community involvement in preventing domestic violence and supporting those affected. Resources such as Safe Homes remain available 24/7 for individuals needing assistance related to domestic violence, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures.
As details of the case continue to unfold, the community remains in mourning while advocating for more effective measures to protect victims of domestic violence, ensuring that such heartbreaking incidents become less frequent in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Domestic Violence Resources After Double Murder in Augusta
- Atlanta News First: Double Murder – Court Finds Victim Endured Years of Abuse
- The Augusta Press: Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly Outside Best Buy in Augusta
- WHSV: Man Arrested in Alleged Domestic Violence Incident in Augusta County
- Press Herald: From Augusta – Breaking the Cycle and Expanding Resources for Domestic Violence Victims
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Support Resources
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- Google News: Domestic Violence
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.
