Custody Dispute Turns Deadly in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Lawyer making excuse for man who killed family.

There should not be a fight over "possession" of a human child. The mom needs to be able to leave with her child so no one gets killed.

http://www.houstondivorceblog.com/2010/12/custody-dispute-turns-deadly-in-apparent-murder-suicide/

Custody Dispute Turns Deadly in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Posted December 20, 2010

Fountain Valley police have identified the victims in an apparent murder-suicide case that seems to have stemmed from a bitter divorce battle. On Friday Randall Yancey shot and killed both his ex- wife Theresa Yancey and his 8 year old daughter before killing himself.

Officers responded to the scene when someone from inside the home called to report a family dispute. When the officers arrived the body of Theresa Yancey was found on the pavement in front of the house. Before officers could get inside they heard several more shots from inside the house. When they got inside the body of a 45 year old man and an 8 year old girl were found. Inside the bathroom there were two people hiding.

Family members reported that Mr. Yancey was waiting at his ex-wife’s mother’s home for her to return on Friday afternoon. When she arrived with their daughter and got out of the car he approached and began arguing with her. Family members got the girl inside and called 911. Mr. Yancey then shot Theresa and tried to force his way in the house. After kicking a hole in the door and being unable to enter he shot a hole into a window and entered that way.

The mother of Theresa Yancey and two minor relatives ran out of the home, while Theresa’s father and another relative hid in the bathroom while the man shot and killed his daughter and then himself.

Divorce is a stressful and often emotionally charged situation, when battles over child custody turn deadly it is too late to seek a peaceful solution and instead family members must then mourn the vital wonderful people who are now lost due to the built up frustration of a man who would rather have his family and himself be dead than continue the fighting.