A devastating murder-suicide involving a terminally ill grandmother and her son’s ex-partner has come to light.
Kathleen Leigh, 65, who was facing a terminal illness, shot and killed her former daughter-in-law, Marissa Galloway, 45, in a tragic act that ended with Leigh taking her own life.
Disturbing Allegations in a Final Letter
Leigh left behind a seven-page note detailing her grievances and accusations. In the letter, which was found in her pocket, Leigh claimed that Galloway was trying to separate her four-year-old granddaughter from her father.
She also mentioned that no one believed her or her son’s allegations of abuse against Galloway, which had been investigated and deemed unfounded by New York City’s child services.
The letter, marked with the words “For Police,” was discovered after Leigh shot Galloway in the head and back while Galloway was loading her one-year-old into a car seat in a parked vehicle on the Upper East Side.
Leigh then turned the gun on herself, ending her life.
Custody Battle and Abuse Claims
The four-year-old girl, who was not present at the scene, has been at the center of a protracted custody battle between Galloway and Leigh’s son. Both parties have accused each other of child abuse throughout the dispute.
Reports had surfaced with claims of the girl arriving home with bruises, but these accusations were consistently found to be baseless.
Leigh had voiced her concerns to neighbors in her Manhattan apartment building, where she had been living for the past three years with her son. Neighbors, like Meryl Feidelman, described Leigh as a concerned mother, although she had experienced issues with child services in the past.
History of Domestic Disputes
Galloway had a record of domestic disputes related to the custody battle, with five reports and two complaints filed with the NYPD between July 2021 and November.
However, no arrests were made in these cases.
Investigation and Legal Implications
The child is currently in the custody of Leigh’s son, while the NYPD continues to investigate the murder, which took place near Mayor Eric Adams’ residence.
Two firearms were recovered at the scene, including a 9-millimeter gun found on the sidewalk and another in a Target bag carried by Leigh.
Authorities are examining whether Leigh, a retired probation officer from Chicago, owned the guns during her 17-year tenure before retiring in 2014. So far, there is no evidence suggesting her son was aware of her intentions.
The tragedy also raises questions about custody rights. Galloway’s family might have grounds for seeking custody of the four-year-old under special circumstances, such as the mother being murdered.
Meanwhile, Galloway’s one-year-old daughter, whose father was reportedly a sperm donor, is now with her maternal grandparents in New Jersey.
Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!