Augusta, GA – Augusta law enforcement arrested a man this week after a deadly shooting during an apparent custody exchange outside a Best Buy parking lot left a mother and her elderly mother dead. The incident, which unfolded on a Sunday evening, has shaken the community and renewed concerns about domestic violence and safety during child custody handovers.
The Shooting During the Custody Exchange
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene on Walton Way Extension just after 6 p.m. Sunday and found Melissa Cui Domingo, 41, and her mother, Elizabeth Cui Domingo, 79, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at 6:47 p.m. The suspect, identified as Hajir Talebzadeh, 41 — the ex-husband of Melissa Domingo — was injured in the incident and taken to Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center before being released and booked into the Richmond County jail.
- Victims: Melissa Cui Domingo (41) and Elizabeth Cui Domingo (79).
- Suspect: Hajir Talebzadeh (41), arrested and charged.
- Time: Call reported just after 6 p.m.; victims pronounced at 6:47 p.m.
- Location: Best Buy parking lot on Walton Way Extension, Augusta, GA.
- Charges: Two counts of murder and one count of cruelty to children in the first degree.
Investigation, Evidence and Arrest
Investigators said witness statements and camera footage helped determine the incident was domestic-related and that there is currently no known threat to the public. The arrest warrants note both victims were struck in the upper body. Law enforcement, including the Georgia State Patrol aviation unit, responded to the scene; deputies arrived within minutes but found the mother and daughter already wounded.
“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.
Victims, Family Reaction and Community Memorial
Friends, family and co-workers described Melissa Domingo as a devoted mother and dental professional and Elizabeth Domingo as gentle and deeply involved with her church. A memorial at the scene carries messages including: “Forever in our hearts,” “You will forever be missed,” and “Fly high, Mom.”
Belair Dental Associates, where Melissa worked, released a statement expressing devastation over the loss…