News Summary
Hajir Talebzadeh, 41, has been arrested for the double homicide of his ex-wife, Melissa Cui Domingo, and her mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo, during a custody exchange at a Best Buy parking lot. Both victims suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Talebzadeh, who was injured and is now in custody, faces two murder charges and cruelty to children. The incident raises important issues regarding domestic violence, which has prompted local organizations to advocate for awareness and prevention in the Augusta community.
Augusta, Georgia – A 41-year-old man, Hajir Talebzadeh, has been arrested in connection with the double homicide of his ex-wife, 41-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo, and her mother, 79-year-old Elizabeth Cui Domingo. The incident occurred during a custody exchange in the parking lot of a Best Buy on Sunday evening shortly after 6 p.m.
Both victims succumbed to gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. Talebzadeh was injured during the incident and was transported to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center before being released and subsequently booked into the Richmond County Jail on Tuesday. He has been charged with two counts of murder and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree. The couple’s six-year-old son was present during the shooting but was physically unharmed.
Investigators believe the shooting was domestic-related, corroborated by witness statements and security camera footage from the area. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly to the initial emergency calls and determined there was no immediate threat to the public following the incident.
Details of the Incident
The tragic shooting took place during a scheduled custody exchange, highlighting the potential dangers that can arise in such situations. Melissa Domingo had recently overcome legal challenges; she was granted immunity in a previous case involving her ex-husband, in which she shot Talebzadeh in self-defense in 2021. A judge had concluded the shooting was a justified response to a history of abuse, with Domingo citing various mental health issues rooted in that abusive relationship.
Domingo and Talebzadeh’s marriage ended in divorce in November 2024. Reports indicate that Talebzadeh had a documented history of abusive behavior, which likely contributed to the escalation leading to the recent shooting.
Community Responses
The devastating event has triggered concerns in the Augusta community about domestic violence awareness and prevention. Local organizations are emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of domestic abuse and providing crucial resources for those in potentially harmful situations. In light of this tragedy, community members have established a memorial at the shooting site, adorned with messages of love and remembrance from family and friends.
Authorities have stressed the necessity of community support for individuals affected by trauma, particularly focusing on the emotional well-being of the surviving child who witnessed the horrific incident. Local resources have been made available to help individuals understand and recognize red flags in domestic violence situations.
Key Takeaways
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potentially lethal consequences of domestic violence. The implications of this tragedy are profound, not only for the immediate families involved but also for the broader community that must wrestle with the aftermath. As awareness about the severity of domestic violence increases, the hope is that more individuals will come forward to seek help and that communities will become more alert and equipped to handle such crises.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Domestic Violence Resources After Double Murder
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- KBTX: Man Accused of Killing Ex-Wife and Her Mother
- Google Search: Custody Exchange Violence
- The Augusta Press: Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence
- WHSV: Man Arrested for Alleged Domestic Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- WGME: Standoff Ends with Arrest After Domestic Violence Call
- Google News: 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.
