A tragic incident unfolded in a Birdville Stadium parking lot when a Texas man fatally shot his young daughter and her mother before dying by suicide. The Haltom City Police Department confirmed the details following the shooting that occurred on Friday, March 27.

Identification of Parties Involved

Three days after the event, on Monday, March 30, authorities named the shooter as 30-year-old John Mbuyi. The victims were identified as 33-year-old Raissa Thatukila and their 6-year-old daughter, Nathy Mbuyi, according to reports from CBS News Texas.

Circumstances Leading to the Ambush

Police stated that Mbuyi allegedly lured the victims to the meeting under the false pretense of providing them with money. Investigators believe the shooting was a carefully planned act amid an existing custody dispute between Mbuyi and Thatukila.

Furthermore, investigators noted that Mbuyi was experiencing personal distress following the recent death of his father. He had also expressed concerning thoughts related to death prior to the violence.

The Fatal Encounter at Birdville Stadium

Before the identifications were made, Haltom City police reported that a man drove up to a parked vehicle in the stadium lot. He engaged in an argument with a woman while a child remained inside the car.

The man then fired into the vehicle, resulting in the deaths of both the woman and the child. Officers arriving at the scene discovered the man outside the vehicle, while the mother and daughter were found inside, all suffering from gunshot wounds.

Aftermath and Medical Response

One female victim was transported to a hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The other female victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Medics treated the man, but he also passed away shortly thereafter.

Community and School Response

Birdville ISD issued a statement confirming that the incident was isolated and not connected to the school district. They noted that no district activities were scheduled at the stadium or nearby facilities at the time of the shooting.

Principal Cheryl Waddell of Cheney Hills Elementary School confirmed that one of their kindergarten students was among the victims. The district expressed devastation over the loss of their student.

To support those affected, crisis counselors were made available at the school starting March 30 and would remain as long as necessary for students and staff.

Family Statements

Mbuyi’s family later shared with CBS News Texas that he had immigrated to the United States with his father less than ten years ago. They stated they were unaware of any ongoing dispute between him and Thatukila, insisting that he was a loving father.