Police have identified the mother and young daughter killed in a tragic murder-suicide outside Birdville ISD Stadium as 33-year-old Raissa Thatukila and her 6-year-old daughter, Nathy Mbuyi.
According to Haltom City police, the shooting occurred Friday afternoon in the parking lot near the stadium. Investigators say the incident was a premeditated and targeted attack carried out by 30-year-old John Mbuyi, the child’s father.
Authorities say Mbuyi lured Thatukila and their daughter to the location under the pretense of giving them money. Once they arrived and were sitting in their vehicle, he ambushed them, fatally shooting both before turning the gun on himself.
Police responded to reports of gunfire around 4:30 p.m. and found all three individuals with gunshot wounds. The mother and child were pronounced dead, while the suspect later died after being transported to a hospital.
Investigators revealed the shooting stemmed from an ongoing custody dispute between Mbuyi and Thatukila. Officials also noted that the suspect had been dealing with personal distress, including grief over his father’s death and concerning thoughts about mortality before the incident.
“This was not a spontaneous incident but a deliberate act of violence,” police said in a statement.
The shooting has shaken the local community, particularly within Birdville ISD, where the young victim was a kindergarten student. School officials have made counseling services available to students and staff impacted by the tragedy.
Authorities say no further details will be released as the investigation has concluded, and they are asking for privacy for the victims’ loved ones during this time.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or emotional distress, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or by dialing/texting 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
