Sheriff Brantley speaks on Augusta double-murder that claimed lives of mother and daughter
Share this @internewscast.com

AUGUSTA, Ga. ()- A mother and grandmother of a 5-year-old child were killed over the weekend while a 5-year-old child was present.

While the child was left unharmed, the emotional damage is far worse.

“Speculation and blame were rampant on Facebook,” expressed Sheriff Eugene Brantley from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. “I urge our community to unite and set aside the bickering and some of the racially charged animosity.”

The shooting happened around 6 o’clock Sunday night at the Best Buy near Augusta Exchange.

Authorities report that after a domestic altercation, Melissa Domingo along with her 74-year-old mother, Elizabeth, were fatally shot by Melissa’s spouse, Hajir Talebzedah.

The Sheriff says the investigation points to the need for action.

“Domestic violence showcases a repetitive behavioral pattern, where victims often feel trapped in the relationship for a multitude of reasons,” Brantley explained.

But records show this isn’t the first time.

Back on New Year’s Eve in 2021, Domingo shot her husband in the head during another domestic encounter.

Initially facing an aggravated assault charge, the allegations were recently overturned and deemed self-defense following an acquittal at trial.

NewsChannel 6 is also learning Domingo formerly worked at Belair Dental Associates in Columbia County.

A sign and wreath are now on the front door, as the business is closed indefinitely. 

On Facebook, the office shared: “We regret to inform you about the heartbreaking loss of one of our team members. This has profoundly impacted us, and as we reckon with this loss, we’ve decided to temporarily close. We aim to support each other and process this tragedy. We apologize for any disruption to your dental services during this period. Your understanding and support are appreciated as we work through this. We’ll update you about when we’ll resume normal activities.”

“Consider a child who witnessed his mother and grandmother being shot. That’s a trauma they will carry throughout their life,” stated Brantley.

If you are a victim, the Sheriff’s Office is encouraging you to use the hotline phone numbers for SafeHomes of Augusta and the Salvation Army of Augusta.

The hotline number for SafeHomes of Augusta is (706) 736-2499.

The Salvation Army of Augusta’s hotline is (706) 826-7933.

We also reached out to Domingo’s former attorney’s office for comment, and they declined.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Masked Teenager in Stolen Car Reaches 100 mph in I-4 Pursuit, Authorities Report

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Early Monday morning, a high-speed chase involving a…

Adorable Newborn Giraffe Arrives at Paris Zoo

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. For the best experience, please…

Las Vegas Resident Allegedly Left Dog in 109-Degree Heat While Playing Video Games: Police Report

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A man facing charges for abandoning a deceased…

“Marion County Sheriff Targets Teen for Fake Amber Alert Hoax”

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has released more…

Ruwa Romman, noted for her Palestinian activism, launches bid for Georgia governor’s office

ATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia state House member who supported the Palestinians…

Officials Report Suspect in Michigan Church Shooting is an Iraq War Veteran and Former Marine

(The Hill) — The suspect in the Sunday shooting at a Michigan…

Several Roads in Champaign-Urbana to Close Starting Monday

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Drivers in the Champaign-Urbana area may need to…

Johnson City to Host Christmas Parade on December 6

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The annual Johnson City Christmas Parade will…

Conflict in Gaza: A Simplified Resolution or a Challenging Path

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Pro-European Party Triumphs in Moldova’s Parliamentary Elections Amid Allegations of Russian Interference

CHISINAU – Moldova’s pro-Western governing party secured a definitive parliamentary majority, surpassing…

Greeneville Hosts Event to Commemorate Hurricane Helene

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Residents gathered in Greeneville on Monday for a…

High-Stakes White House Meeting Approaches as Government Shutdown Threatens

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to convene with the four…