News Summary
The Augusta community mourns the tragic loss of 41-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo and her 79-year-old mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo, following a double homicide stemming from a domestic dispute. The incident occurred during a custody exchange in a Best Buy parking lot, where Melissa’s ex-husband opened fire. While the young child was unharmed, the community is rallying around the victims’ families and emphasizing the need for awareness around domestic violence.
Augusta: Domestic Dispute Leads to Double Homicide
The Augusta community is reeling after a domestic dispute escalated into a double homicide on Sunday evening, resulting in the death of 41-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo and her 79-year-old mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo. The tragic incident took place in the parking lot of Best Buy on Walton Way Extension around 6:12 p.m., where both women fell victim to gunfire during a custody exchange involving Melissa’s five-year-old child.
Incident Details
Authorities reported that deputies arrived at the scene within minutes, but unfortunately, both victims were pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Hajir Talebzadeh, who is Melissa Domingo’s ex-husband, allegedly opened fire on both women during the exchange. The child was present during the event but suffered no physical harm and is now in the care of child welfare services.
Talebzadeh was injured during the incident and received treatment at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center before being released. Following his recovery, he was arrested on Tuesday morning and booked into the Richmond County jail, facing two counts of murder and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree. Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public in relation to this case.
History of Domestic Violence
This incident unfolded shortly after Melissa Domingo was cleared of charges for shooting Talebzadeh in 2021, a case determined to be self-defense. A judge granted her immunity, recognizing her suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and what is known as Battered Person Syndrome, stemming from years of alleged abuse. Witnesses and video evidence indicate that the recent shooting was linked to ongoing domestic violence issues.
Community Impact
In the aftermath of this tragedy, a memorial has been established at the shooting site, featuring heartfelt messages honoring the victims, including sentiments like “Forever in our hearts” and “Fly high, Mom.” Family, friends, and colleagues remember Melissa Domingo as a dedicated mother and daughter, with Elizabeth Domingo characterized as gentle and loving.
Belair Dental Associates, where Melissa worked, expressed their devastation over the loss and temporarily closed their office as a period of mourning. The local community and organizations are emphasizing the necessity of raising awareness around domestic violence in light of this incident.
Addressing Domestic Violence
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has urged community members to come together to support one another and highlighted the importance of addressing domestic violence. The tragic events serve as a painful reminder of the potentially deadly consequences of domestic disputes. Resources are available for individuals in crisis, with the National Domestic Violence Hotline reachable at 1-800-799-7233 for those who may need immediate assistance.
This heartbreaking case has sparked discussions concerning domestic violence prevention and the need for increased community awareness and support systems for those affected. As the community grapples with the loss of Melissa and Elizabeth Domingo, the importance of fostering an environment where individuals can seek help without fear continues to grow.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Domestic Violence Resources After Double Murder in Augusta
- WWNY: Man Accused of Killing Ex-Wife and Her Mother During Custody Exchange
- The Augusta Press: Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly Outside Best Buy
- Atlanta News First: Double Murder – Court Finds Victim Endured Years of Abuse
- Press Herald: Expanding Resources for Domestic Violence Victims
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Resources
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence
- 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.
