Takara had also called the police two days before the incident, asking how she could file a restraining order.
Trigger warning: This article contains themes of domestic violence that some readers may find distressing
Takara Glenn Hightower, 34, wife to a Navy senior chief recruiter Greg Hightower, and mother to six children aged between 12 months to six years old, was shot by her husband while she was holding their baby and making a domestic violence complaint against him to Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents at their home, as per People. Takara was being interviewed by NCIS agents about allegations of domestic violence against her husband when Greg burst into their home in Atascocita, northeast of Houston, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The mother, hailing from Texas, was shot and killed right on the spot while she held their baby in her hands, reported Navy Times.
Wife Was Filing Abuse Complaint Against Husband When He Ran into Home, Killed Her While She Held Baby https://t.co/bkAYOKdF8M
— People (@people) October 3, 2022
NCIS spokesman Jeff Houston confirmed in an email to PEOPLE that "the NCIS Special Agent and second NCIS Special Agent on scene returned fire on Mr. Hightower, who managed to flee and drive away." The Houston Chronicle mentioned that Greg raced to a relative's apartment in northwest Houston and, during a shootout with the sheriff's deputies, he died. The wounded NCIS agent was taken to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition, as per NCIS.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim's family and loved ones. We also pray for a speedy recovery for our wounded Special Agent. Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not comment further at this time," Houston expressed in the NCIS statement.
Going by reports, this wasn't the first time Takara was complaining about her husband. She had called the Deputies to the residence on account of domestic violence allegations against Greg in July previously, said Harris County Sheriff's Office, according to ABC13. Greg had reportedly hit her but he also accused Takara of hitting him, due to which no charges were filed against either of them.
HCSO noted that Takara had also called the police on September 20th, two days before the horrific incident, asking how she could file a restraining order. Takara's children, family members, and friends are grieving her sudden loss. Her best friend, Kristina Ezell, wrote on her GoFundMe page, which she started to help with Takara's funeral, that her children "are left mother and fatherless."
"A fearless lioness and protective mamma bear who lived for each of her children," Ezell wrote, "the bond that Ki shared with her babies was like none other. The selfless, caring, and relentless woman that she was shined bright in her children's eyes." The page notes that Takara's mother and sisters are now caring for the six children she left behind.
An infant that was inside the home where incident occurred is safe. Another agent was also on-scene, but does not appear to be injured. It appears it was HC Pct 4 deputies that encountered the suspect somewhere near Mist near Jones. Male, believed to be the suspect is deceased. https://t.co/8jDiGFEfjC
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) September 22, 2022
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org.
References:
https://people.com/crime/wife-filing-abuse-complaint-against-husband-fatally-shot/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/2qzdvz-tragic-loss
Cover Image Source: GoFundMe
