News Summary
Hajir Talebzadeh has been arrested for the double murder of his ex-wife, Melissa Cui Domingo, and her mother, Elizabeth, after a domestic dispute in Augusta. The tragic incident occurred during a custody exchange, where the couple’s 6-year-old son witnessed the shooting. Talebzadeh faces charges including two counts of murder and cruelty to children. Community members have started a memorial for the victims, emphasizing the need for better support systems for domestic violence victims.
Augusta, Georgia – A 41-year-old man, Hajir Talebzadeh, has been arrested in connection with the double murder of his ex-wife and her mother following a domestic dispute in the parking lot of Best Buy on Sunday evening. The victims, Melissa Cui Domingo, aged 41, and her mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo, 79, succumbed to gunshot wounds during an incident that reportedly involved a custody exchange for Melissa’s 6-year-old son, who witnessed the tragedy but was unharmed.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple 911 calls made around 6:12 p.m. and found both women suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel declared them dead at approximately 6:47 p.m. Talebzadeh sustained an injury during the altercation, prompting his transport to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, where he was treated and later released.
Charges have been filed against Talebzadeh, including two counts of murder and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree. The shooting occurred just days after Melissa Domingo had been cleared of an earlier incident in which she shot Talebzadeh—a case ruled as self-defense which highlighted a long history of domestic violence, including psychological and physical abuse.
The domestic violence aspect of this case is particularly concerning, as court records reveal that Melissa Domingo had received immunity due to her documented struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and battered person syndrome stemming from years of abuse. Talebzadeh and Melissa had divorced in November 2024, but the violence continued even post-separation.
An emotional memorial has already been established at the scene of the shooting, where community members are leaving messages of love and remembrance for the victims. Local officials and residents have expressed outrage and sadness over the killings, underscoring the pressing need for improved support systems for victims of domestic violence.
In light of the incident, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family during this difficult time, aiming to provide financial support for unexpected expenses and memorial services. Community leaders, including Sheriff Eugene Brantley, have extended condolences to the child who witnessed the event and have called for community solidarity in addressing domestic violence issues.
Officials stressed that the shooting was a targeted incident and posed no threat to the general public. The Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit provided assistance to law enforcement during the emergency response. Our investigation is ongoing, focusing on how various systems failed to protect the victims from a documented history of domestic violence.
In a broader context, community organizations are actively working to raise awareness regarding the signs of domestic abuse and are providing essential resources for individuals facing similar situations. There is a collective call to action within the community to recognize and combat domestic violence, ensuring that no other families endure such heartbreaking tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Domestic Violence Resources After Double Murder in Augusta
- Augusta Press: Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly Outside Best Buy
- WRDW: Double Murder Court Finds Victim Endured Years of Abuse
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Resources
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.
