AUGUSTA, Ga. — A tragedy that has shaken the Augusta community unfolded Sunday evening when Melissa Cui Domingo, 37, and her mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo, 74, were fatally shot in the parking lot of Best Buy off Walton Way Extension. Authorities have identified the alleged shooter as Hajir Talebzadeh, 37, Melissa’s ex-husband — the same man she had previously shot in self-defense in 2021 during what courts recognized as years of ongoing domestic abuse.
The shooting, described by investigators as a domestic-related double homicide, occurred around 6:12 p.m. during a scheduled custody exchange involving the couple’s 5-year-old son, who was present at the scene. Although physically unharmed, the child witnessed the attack and is now in the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS).
Deputies with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) arrived within minutes of the first emergency calls, finding Melissa and Elizabeth Domingo suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, both women were pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. by Deputy Coroner John Rutland.
Talebzadeh was also located on the scene with an injury of unspecified severity. He was transported to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center, where officials say he is in stable condition. Investigators have since obtained murder warrants, and he will be transferred to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center once medically cleared.
A Violent History Resurfaces
The killings come less than a month after Melissa Domingo was legally vindicated for defending herself against Talebzadeh in 2021. On August 19, 2025, Superior Court Judge Jesse Stone dismissed all charges against her, ruling that she had acted in lawful self-defense when she shot her then-husband multiple times during a violent confrontation at their home.
At that hearing, Judge Stone accepted expert testimony that Melissa suffered from Battered Person Syndrome, PTSD, panic disorder, and Stockholm Syndrome after enduring years of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Family members also testified about Talebzadeh’s violent and controlling behavior, warning that they feared for Melissa’s life.
Investigators at the time noted the Domingo residence contained unsecured, loaded firearms and confirmed that Talebzadeh was armed during the confrontation. Though he sustained multiple gunshot wounds in 2021, he survived, only to now be accused of killing Melissa and her mother.
Judge Stone applied Georgia’s “transferred justification” doctrine, ruling that even if others were unintentionally endangered during Melissa’s act of self-defense, the law shielded her actions as justified.
Law Enforcement Response
In the aftermath of Sunday’s shooting, RCSO emphasized that this was an isolated, domestic incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the broader community.
“This was a senseless tragedy that unfolded in front of a child,” said Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard of the Sheriff’s Office. “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted, especially the child who will now grow up without both parents.”
Sheriff Gino Brantley also issued a statement, underscoring the devastating impact of domestic violence:
“No child should ever have to experience such trauma. As a community, we must come together to support him and others who are affected. Violence is never the answer—it only leaves behind grief, pain, and broken families.”
The Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit provided aerial support during the emergency response, using thermal imaging to secure the area. Multiple local and state agencies also assisted.
A Community in Mourning
The deaths of Melissa and Elizabeth Domingo have left family, friends, and advocates reeling. Melissa’s story had recently become a symbol of resilience for survivors of domestic violence after the court formally acknowledged her history of abuse. Now, her killing by the very man she once fought to escape highlights the ongoing dangers survivors face even after securing legal protection.
Advocates say the case underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards during custody exchanges and for more comprehensive protections for survivors who remain vulnerable to their abusers.
As the investigation continues, Talebzadeh faces multiple counts of murder. The community is left grappling with grief and searching for ways to support a young child whose life has been permanently altered by violence.
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