The quiet and upscale neighborhood of Manhattan’s Upper East Side was jolted by a tragic incident on the morning of July 26, 2024. A fatal shooting involving a former Chicago probation officer and her ex-daughter-in-law has left the community in shock and mourning. The incident, which police believe stemmed from a prolonged and bitter custody dispute, resulted in the deaths of 45-year-old Marisa Galloway and 65-year-old Kathleen Leigh.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) responded to an emergency call just before 9 a.m. near 519 East 88th Street and York Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the lifeless bodies of Marisa Galloway and Kathleen Leigh, both with fatal gunshot wounds to the head. The immediate area, usually bustling with morning activity and families, was thrown into chaos as police secured the scene and began their investigation.
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the tragedy unfolded as a result of an ongoing custody dispute between the two women. Investigators suspect that Kathleen Leigh, armed with a 9mm Glock, approached Marisa Galloway as she was loading a stroller into the trunk of her car. In a horrific sequence of events, Leigh allegedly shot Galloway twice—once in the back and once in the head—before turning the gun on herself. The motive behind the shooting is believed to be the custody battle over Galloway’s four-year-old child, in which Leigh was deeply entangled.
Galloway, who was critically injured, was transported to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries despite the medical team’s efforts to save her. Leigh was pronounced dead at the scene. A one-year-old child, who was in the backseat of Galloway’s Honda, miraculously escaped unharmed. The child’s presence at the scene added a layer of poignancy to the already devastating situation, underscoring the tragic and far-reaching consequences of domestic disputes.
Kathleen Leigh, a retired probation officer from Chicago, had a history of involvement in the custody dispute with Galloway. Records reveal that there were at least five domestic incident reports and two formal complaints related to the ongoing conflict, although no arrests had been made prior to the fatal encounter. This documented history of discord between the two women highlights the volatility and intensity of their dispute.
The custody battle, according to acquaintances and legal records, had been fraught with accusations and legal maneuvers. Galloway and Leigh had been at odds for months, if not years, over the custody arrangements for Galloway’s four-year-old child. Leigh, who was the child’s grandmother, was reportedly deeply invested in the outcome of the custody dispute, which had become increasingly acrimonious over time.
The investigation into the shooting is being conducted by the NYPD’s Criminal Investigations Division, which has already recovered two firearms from the crime scene. One gun was found inside Leigh’s tote bag, while the other was discovered on the pavement next to her body. Forensic analysis and ballistic testing are expected to provide further insights into the sequence of events and the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident has cast a somber pall over the Upper East Side community, where both victims were known. Neighbors and local residents have expressed their shock and sorrow, describing Galloway as a dedicated mother and active community member. The tragic loss of life and the manner in which it occurred have left many grappling with a sense of disbelief and sadness.
The ramifications of the shooting extend beyond the immediate community. The incident has sparked discussions about the nature of custody disputes and the potential for violence when emotions run high. Legal experts and social workers have pointed to the case as a stark reminder of the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms and support systems for families embroiled in such disputes.
In the wake of the tragedy, friends and family members of Marisa Galloway and Kathleen Leigh have been left to pick up the pieces. Galloway’s relatives are mourning the loss of a beloved mother and daughter, while also contending with the care and well-being of her surviving children. Leigh’s family is similarly devastated, struggling to reconcile the actions of a woman they knew as a dedicated professional and family member with the horrific crime she committed.
As the community processes the tragedy, support services and counseling are being made available to those affected. Local organizations have stepped in to provide assistance and support to the grieving families, and a memorial service for Marisa Galloway is being planned to honor her life and legacy.
The investigation is ongoing, and the NYPD has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by texting TIP2APD to 847411 or through the TIP2APD smartphone application. The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in piecing together the full story of what led to the tragic events of that fateful morning.
The fatal shooting on East 88th Street serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact that unresolved domestic conflicts can have. As the investigation continues and the community mourns, the hope is that such a tragedy will prompt a deeper understanding and more effective intervention strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future. The lives of Marisa Galloway and Kathleen Leigh, though cut short, highlight the urgent need for compassion, support, and resolution in the face of domestic strife.
