AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Family members and local residents are searching for answers after an apparent domestic dispute ended with the murder of a 37-year-old and her mother in an Augusta parking lot.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says 37-year-old Melissa Cui Domingo and 74-year-old Elizabeth Cui Domingo, both of Evans, died from gunshot wounds on Sunday evening.

A memorial stands at the scene in their honor. Saying, ‘forever in our hearts,’ ’You will forever be missed,’ ‘I love you’ and ‘Fly high, Mom.’

Ever since the incident, social media has been flooded with posts, even outside of Augusta, wondering why and how this could have happened.

Melissa Domingo’s ex-husband is set to face charges for Sunday night’s double murder, which happened just days after she was cleared of charges for shooting the suspect three years ago in what a court found was self-defense.

In August, a judge granted Melissa Domingo immunity in the case after she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, battered person disorder and other problems from years of abuse and control.

The suspect, 37-year-old Hajir Talebzadeh, suffered in Sunday’s incident and was taken to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, where he is listed as stable.

The deadly shooting was reported at 6:12 p.m. Sunday outside the store on Walton Way Extension. The Domingos were pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m.

According to previous reports, Talebzadeh and Melissa Domingo were married but got divorced in November 2024, court records show.

Deputies responded to the scene within minutes of the first call.

While on the scene, they found the mother and daughter suffering gunshot wounds.

A young child, Melissa’s 6-year-old son, was present but not injured. Augusta Fire Department firefighters and deputies remained with him until child welfare workers arrived.

“Our hearts go out to the child who was present during this senseless tragedy,” Sheriff Eugene Brantley said in a statement. “No child should ever have to experience such trauma. As a community, we must come together to support him and others who are affected.”

“Based on witness statements and camera evidence, investigators have determined this was a domestic-related incident. Currently, there is no known threat to the public,” said Lewis Blanchard, chief deputy with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

It appeared to be custody exchange, but that’s not official.

Witnesses say the shooting occurred near the back of the parking lot.

Multiple police and unmarked cars responded to the scene, along with emergency medical crews.

Along with deputies, the Georgia State Patrol aviation unit also responded to the scene.

“Violence is never the answer to our problems—it only leaves behind grief, pain, and broken families,“ Brantley said. ”The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working with our community to prevent violence and ensure safety for every resident.”

Once released from the hospital, Talebzadeh will be transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center. Deputies said warrants are being obtained on Talebzadeh for murder.

Family, friends and co-workers describe Melissa as a devoted mother, daughter and sister. And they describe Elizabeth as someone gentle, loving and devoted to her church.

In a statement, Belair Dental Associates, where Melissa worked, said:

“We are heartbroken to share that a tragic incident occurred outside of our office that claimed the lives of one of our team members and their mother. Our entire dental family is devastated by this loss, and our hearts go out to their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.”

On Facebook, they also said the loss has tremendously affected their team and their office will be temporarily closed, allowing those close to Melissa and Elizabeth to mourn this unexpected loss.

If you or someone you know is in danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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