Tragedy Near Mayor's Mansion: Mother Fatally Shot by Former Mother-in-Law, Suspect Commits Suicide

A chilling murder-suicide unfolded mere steps from New York City Mayor Eric Adams' residence, as a mother was shot dead by her former mother-in-law while her child sat nearby.

A horrific act of violence has shaken the Upper East Side of New York City, just a stone's throw from the mayor's mansion. In a shocking murder-suicide, Marisa Galloway, a 46-year-old mother, was fatally shot by Kathleen Leigh, the 66-year-old grandmother of Galloway's 4-year-old child.

Surveillance footage captured the chilling details of the gruesome crime. Galloway had just placed her child in a car seat when Leigh approached her and opened fire, striking her in the head and back. As Galloway lay wounded on the ground, Leigh shot her again, ending her life.

Tragedy Near Mayor's Mansion: Mother Fatally Shot by Former Mother-in-Law, Suspect Commits Suicide

Police investigations revealed that Galloway and Leigh had a history of domestic disputes believed to be rooted in custody arrangements for the 4-year-old boy. Leigh's son, Kenny Leigh, is the child's father.

Leigh, a retired probation officer from Chicago, had relocated to New York City three years ago. Police discovered a 1-year-old child unharmed in the back of a car near the crime scene, believed to be Leigh's grandchild.

Tragedy Near Mayor's Mansion: Mother Fatally Shot by Former Mother-in-Law, Suspect Commits Suicide

Galloway, a former college athlete, returned to her alma mater, Fordham University, as a volunteer assistant track and field coach for 17 years until 2019. She earned a bachelor's degree in 2001 and a master's degree in 2005 from Fordham.

The Fordham University community expressed its sorrow at Galloway's tragic death. "We keep Marissa and her loved ones in our thoughts and prayers," a school spokesperson stated.

Tragedy Near Mayor's Mansion: Mother Fatally Shot by Former Mother-in-Law, Suspect Commits Suicide

Two pistols were recovered at the scene, one dropped by Leigh after she turned the gun on herself. Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the murder-suicide and any potential warning signs that could have prevented the tragedy.

In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams condemned the violence and called for urgent action to address domestic disputes. "We cannot allow senseless acts of violence to continue in our city," Adams said.

Tragedy Near Mayor's Mansion: Mother Fatally Shot by Former Mother-in-Law, Suspect Commits Suicide

Organizations providing support for victims of domestic violence urge people to seek help if they or someone they know is experiencing abuse. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).