A tragic incident unfolded in Texas, where a 30-year-old father is charged with the murder of his young daughter and her mother. Authorities claim he deceived them into meeting him with the promise of money, only to execute what they have called a “premeditated and targeted attack” amid a contentious custody battle.

John Mbuyi has been identified by detectives as the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Raissa Thatukila and their 6-year-old daughter, Nathy Mbuyi. Following the attack, he reportedly turned the gun on himself, according to a statement released by the Haltom City Police Department.

Authorities assert that the tragic events were planned in advance, dismissing any notion of spontaneity.

Police reports indicate that Mbuyi “enticed the victims to a specific location under the guise of providing them with money, where he executed a meticulously planned ambush.”

“Investigators confirmed an ongoing custody dispute existed between the suspect and the adult victim,” the release revealed, adding that Mbuyi held significant grievances against Thatukila.

Further investigation into Mbuyi’s mental state prior to the incident revealed distress following his father’s death, coupled with troubling thoughts about mortality. The findings led investigators to conclude that the murders were “a calculated act of violence rather than an impulsive outburst.”

The shooting took place about 4:30 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Birdville ISD Stadium, in the 6100 block of East Belknap, according to KDFW, a Dallas-Fort Worth Fox affiliate. Mbuyi reportedly drove a U-Haul truck to the parking lot, got out, and began unloading on Thatukila’s vehicle.

First responders reportedly found the two victims still inside the mother’s car. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Mbuyi was found dead nearby from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The young victim was later identified as a kindergarten student at Cheney Hills Elementary School, prompting an outpouring of grief across the community.

“We are devastated by the loss of one of our students and heartbroken that this tragedy occurred in our community,” the school’s principal, Cheryl Waddell, wrote in a message to parents, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “The loss of a student is always difficult and filled with a variety of emotions. Our teachers and staff will work with our students and families as we navigate this emotional time together.”

In the aftermath of the killings, friends and community members have reportedly created a memorial near the scene, leaving flowers and stuffed animals in honor of the victims.

Police have since indicated they will not be releasing additional details.

“Out of respect for the family and friends affected by this tragedy, the Haltom City Police Department will not be releasing any further information related to this incident,” the department said, adding the decision is intended to give loved ones “the space and privacy needed to grieve and begin the process of healing.”