Dad 'lured' 6-year-old daughter, mother to fatal parking lot 'ambush': Police report

A father, age 30, in Texas is charged with allegedly shooting his young daughter and her mother, supposedly luring them under the pretense of providing money in what officials described as an "intentional and targeted act" amid a contentious custody fight.

Authorities named John Mbuyi as the suspect who shot and killed 33-year-old Raissa Thatukila and their 6-year-old daughter, Nathy Mbuyi, before taking his own life, according to a news release from the Haltom City Police Department.

Per the police, Mbuyi "called the victims to the scene under the false promise of giving money, executing an ambush he meticulously arranged ahead of time."

"Authorities further identified that a custody battle was ongoing between the accused and the adult victim, and evidence revealed the perpetrator held grave grievances against her," the release mentions.

Detectives also discovered unsettling insights into Mbuyi's mindset before the incident, suggesting he was "experiencing emotional distress after his father's death and exhibited troubling thoughts about mortality."

From these observations, investigators deemed the acts as "a premeditated act of violence, not an unplanned event."

The incident happened around 4:30pm on Friday in the parking lot of Birdville ISD Stadium, located on the 6100 block of East Belknap, according to KDFW, a Fox affiliate servicing Dallas-Fort Worth. 

Reports say Mbuyi arrived with a U-Haul truck, disembarked, and began shooting at Thatukila's car.

First responders reportedly discovered the victims inside the mother's vehicle. One victim was declared dead at the location, while the other was rushed to a nearby hospital where she died from her injuries. Mbuyi was discovered nearby with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The young victim was later recognised as a kindergartner attending Cheney Hills Elementary School, leading to immense sorrow throughout the community.

"The loss of one of our students deeply saddens us, and it breaks our hearts that such a tragedy unfolded in our community," the school's principal, Cheryl Waddell, expressed in a message to parents, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"Losing a student is always challenging and evokes numerous emotions. Our staff will support our students and families as we navigate this challenging time together."

Following the tragic event, friends and local residents reportedly set up a memorial at the location, placing flowers and toys to remember the victims.

"To honor the family and friends impacted by this tragedy, the Haltom City Police Department will refrain from sharing additional information about the case," the department remarked, noting this choice aims to offer the loved ones "privacy and time to mourn and start the healing journey."