Marissa Galloway, a 45-year-old mother from Manhattan’s Upper East Side, was tragically shot and killed by Cathleen Lee, her child’s 65-year-old grandmother, on Friday morning. The incident occurred on East 88th Street between York and East End Avenue, in close proximity to Gracie Mansion’s entrance. The horrifying event unfolded just before nine in the morning, sending shockwaves through the community and causing bystanders, many of whom were pushing strollers, to flee in terror.
According to Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny of the New York Police Department, the murder-suicide was the result of an ongoing custody dispute. Galloway was loading her 1-year-old child into her car when Lee approached her. As Galloway closed the trunk, Lee, who had traveled from Chicago, drew a 9mm Glock and shot Galloway twice—first in the back and then in the head as she lay on the ground.
Lee then turned the gun on herself, shooting herself in the head on the sidewalk. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Galloway, who was critically injured, was rushed to the hospital where she later succumbed to her wounds. Fortunately, Galloway’s 1-year-old child, who was in a car seat during the shooting, was not physically harmed.
The incident has left the Upper East Side community reeling. The murder-suicide is believed to be a culmination of a bitter custody battle between Galloway and the father of her 4-year-old son. This dispute had been escalating for some time, as evidenced by the records of at least five reports of domestic disputes within the family, two of which were documented by the NYPD.
Detectives found two guns at the scene: one inside Lee’s tote bag and the other, the 9mm Glock used in the shooting, on the pavement beside her. The investigation into the murder-suicide is ongoing, with police seeking to understand the full circumstances that led to this tragic event.
Marissa Galloway was known to her friends and family as a dedicated mother who was deeply involved in her children’s lives. Her sudden and violent death has left her family and friends in shock and mourning. The custody dispute with her son’s father had been a significant source of stress, and it is believed that this conflict may have driven the tragic actions taken by Lee.
Cathleen Lee’s background is also being scrutinized as investigators try to piece together what led her to commit such a desperate act. Originally from Chicago, Lee’s relationship with her grandson had been strained due to the ongoing custody battle. Friends and family members described her as a loving grandmother who became increasingly distraught over the custody issues.
The community has come together to support the Galloway family during this incredibly difficult time. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the lives of both Marissa Galloway and Cathleen Lee, despite the tragic circumstances of their deaths. The double tragedy highlights the profound and sometimes devastating impacts of custody disputes and domestic conflicts.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the family’s history or the events leading up to the shooting to come forward. The police are also offering counseling and support services to those affected by the incident, particularly those who witnessed the traumatic events.
In the aftermath of the shooting, there has been a renewed call for stronger measures to address domestic violence and custody disputes. Advocates are emphasizing the need for better support systems for families in crisis to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The tragic deaths of Marissa Galloway and Cathleen Lee underscore the importance of addressing these issues with urgency and compassion.
Obituaries and funeral arrangements for both Marissa Galloway and Cathleen Lee will be released by their respective families at a later date. The families have requested privacy as they navigate this incredibly painful time and begin to mourn the loss of their loved ones. The community continues to offer its condolences and support, standing together in the face of this heartbreaking tragedy.
