A 30-year-old Texas man allegedly lured his 6-year-old daughter and her mother to a stadium parking lot before shooting them and turning the gun on himself.
John Mbuyi ambushed his daughter Nathy Mbuyi and her mother Raissa Thatukila, 33, in a planned attack, according to a March 30 Halton City Police Department (HCPD) press release. Mbuyi had an active custody battle with Thatukila and “harbored significant grievances toward her,” detectives said. Mbuyi was also struggling after the passing of his father and revealed worrying thoughts connected to death, according to police. (RELATED: Sole Survivor Of 2024 Shooting That Killed Entire Family Dies One Week After Starting College)
Mbuyi drove a U-Haul truck near the stadium of the Birdville school district around 4:30 p.m. March 27, police said, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Authorities suspect Mbuyi exited the truck and shot at a car the girl and her mother were inside of before shooting himself. The alleged shooting occurred in a parking lot close to the Birdville ISD Stadium, FOX 4 reported.
Police said one of the victims died at the scene, while the other passed way at a local hospital. Authorities said they also found Mbuyi dead in the parking lot.
“Out of respect for the family and friends affected by this tragedy, the Haltom City Police Department will not be releasing any further information related to this incident,” the HCPD said. “This decision is intended to allow those impacted the space and privacy needed to grieve and begin the process of healing.”
Mbuyi’s daughter Nathy attended Cheney Hills Elementary as a kindergartner, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The school’s principal Cheryl Waddell addressed the girl’s death in a letter to parents.
“We are devastated by the loss of one of our students and heartbroken that this tragedy occurred in our community,” the letter read. “The loss of a student is always difficult and filled with a variety of emotions. Our teachers and staff will work with our students and families as we navigate this emotional time together.”
Friends and locals have left flowers and stuffed animals near where the alleged shooting occurred.