This morning started like any other—I was prepping my motorcycle for the unusually great weather when my phone rang. It was one of my cousins calling, which immediately struck me as odd because I usually hear from that part of the family through my aunt. I picked up, and it was the youngest cousin, just 6 years old, crying and panicked. His older brother, who is only 8, was in the background. The younger one frantically asked if I could explain CPR to them.
I immediately told them to call the police and said I’d be there in five minutes. I jumped on my motorcycle and sped over. When I arrived, I found both boys outside, crying and screaming. Thankfully, a neighbor had come over to comfort them. They told me both parents were inside the house, unresponsive.
For context, my aunt is my blood relative, while my uncle married into the family.
I’ve seen my fair share of traumatic scenes. I’m a former infantryman with years of experience in high-stress situations. I’ve not only witnessed horrifying things but have also been part of them. In the military, we’re trained extensively in medical procedures, so I’m no stranger to these types of emergencies.
I ran into the house, and what I saw will haunt me forever. My aunt was on the floor, her head blown off. My uncle was nearby, with the top of his head also gone. It was clear: he had shot her before taking his own life—all while their two young sons were asleep in the next room.
The police arrived shortly after I did. As they entered, I warned them about the horrific scene. “It’s bad,” I said. “Female has no head.” One officer took a single glance before turning and throwing up.
I’ve been trying to process what I saw ever since. In the moment, I reverted to “soldier mode,” shutting off my emotions to focus on what needed to be done. My cousins see me as the strong, dependable one, and I felt I had no choice but to hold it together for them. But now that the dust is settling, I’m breaking down.
She had been done with him. They were splitting up because he was abusive and toxic. She was finally serious about leaving, and when he realized it, he couldn’t handle losing control. So, he made the ultimate act of selfishness and violence—taking her life, his own, and leaving their two innocent boys to face this nightmare.
I can’t even put into words how much I hate him. His actions were cowardly and cruel. I have no doubt that wherever he is now, he’s getting exactly what he deserves.
I miss her so much already. She was an amazing person—there when I graduated from training and a constant source of support and kindness. Losing her to such a vile act of violence is devastating. I’m heartbroken, angry, and overwhelmed all at once.
