Heartbreaking Manhattan Incident: Two Women Die in Custody Battle Murder-Suicide!

Heartbreaking Manhattan Incident: Two Women Die in Custody Battle Murder-Suicide

In a tragic turn of events, a custody dispute resulted in a murder-suicide, leaving two women dead in Manhattan on Friday morning. The incident occurred near 519 East 88th St. and York Avenue, just steps away from Gracie Mansion in Yorkville, shortly before 9 a.m., according to the Upper East Side neighborhood.

The victims were identified as Marisa Galloway, 45, and Kathleen Leigh, 65. Police found Galloway lying on the street behind a parked Honda Civic while Leigh was discovered on the sidewalk. Both women had sustained gunshot wounds to the head, as confirmed by the authorities.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Leigh approached Galloway while she was putting a stroller in the trunk of the car. Leigh then shot Galloway in the head and back before turning the gun on herself, shooting herself in the head.

Galloway was immediately rushed to the hospital, but despite efforts, she could not be saved. Leigh, on the other hand, died instantly at the scene.

Two women involved in custody battle shot dead near Gracie Mansion in  apparent murder-suicide

Fortunately, a 1-year-old child who was in the backseat of the Honda was not harmed during the incident. The child is believed to be the focus of the ongoing custody dispute between the two women.

Authorities revealed that Leigh was the grandmother of Galloway’s 4-year-old child. Leigh, a retired probation officer from Chicago, had been involved in an intense custody battle with Galloway over the child. Chief Kenny disclosed that there had been five domestic incident reports and two complaints related to this dispute, but no arrests were made in the past.

The police recovered two guns at the scene, which were likely used in the tragic incident. The NYPD is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder-suicide and the history of the custody dispute between Galloway and Leigh.

This devastating event has left the community in shock and mourning. It underscores the severe consequences that can arise from unresolved custody battles. The safety and well-being of children in such disputes are paramount, and this incident highlights the need for better intervention and support mechanisms for families in conflict.

Residents of the Upper East Side neighborhood expressed their sorrow and disbelief at the tragedy. Many who live in the area, known for its tranquility and proximity to Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence, are grappling with the grim reality of the event.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers of familial conflicts and the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions.

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The murder-suicide that claimed the lives of Marisa Galloway and Kathleen Leigh is a heartbreaking reminder of the need for vigilance and support in domestic disputes, especially those involving the custody of children. The community’s thoughts are with the families affected by this tragic event, and efforts will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of the children involved.

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