Fordham University athletics coach shot dead by retired probation officer in custody battle

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NEW YORK CITY, NY – A devastating act of violence rocked the Upper East Side Friday morning when a terminally ill woman shot and killed her former daughter-in-law and then turned the gun on herself.

The incident, which is linked to a bitter custody battle, occurred in broad daylight and shocked the local population.

The victim, identified as 45-year-old Marisa Galloway, was reportedly putting her one-year-old daughter into a car on East 88th Street, just steps from Gracie Mansion, when she was approached and shot by 65-year-old Kathleen Leigh. Leigh, a retired parole officer who had been staying with her family during her battle with terminal cancer, then shot herself.

Galloway, a special education teacher and coach at Fordham University, was involved in a custody battle over a four-year-old child she shared with Leigh's son. Surveillance footage captured the tragic moment Leigh shot Galloway in the head and back as she loaded a stroller into her car.

The one-year-old child who was present during the incident was found unharmed. Authorities found a note on Leigh's body that read “For the police,” the contents of which were not disclosed.

New York Police Department Chief of Criminal Investigation Joseph Kenny stated in a press conference that there had been previous reports of domestic incidents involving Galloway, but that none had ever resulted in arrests and two complaints had been deemed unfounded.

This tragedy highlights the complexity and emotional toll of custody disputes, leaving a community in mourning and raising questions about the connection between personal crises and public safety.

• Chase with stolen vehicle leads to arrest in Fells Point neighborhood in Baltimore

  BALTIMORE, MD – An overnight police operation in the Fells Point area resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old male suspect involved in a car theft. Baltimore Police reported the sequence of events that occurred on July 27 starting at approximately 11:23 p.m.

  Members of the Foxtrot Police Unit were alerted to a stolen vehicle traveling in the Fells Point area. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to comply, resulting in a chase.

  The pursuit ended when the driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Shortly after exiting the vehicle, he was arrested by officers.

  The suspect was subsequently transported to Central Reception where he was charged for his involvement in the vehicle theft. Baltimore Police continue to investigate the incident and assess the circumstances surrounding the theft and pursuit.

• Dover man arrested after shooting construction worker

  DOVER, DE – Delaware State Police have taken 35-year-old Dennis Swain of Dover into custody following a shooting incident on the morning of July 27, 2024. The incident occurred around 7:23 a.m. on North Bay Drive in Dover.

  According to the preliminary investigation, two construction workers were traveling on Kitts Hummock Road when they stopped to help Swain because they believed he needed assistance.

  An argument ensued, during which Swain threatened to get a gun. Sensing danger, the workers left and went to a nearby construction site. Swain allegedly followed them, confronted the workers armed, and fired the gun. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

  Swain was subsequently arrested and transported to Squad 3 where he was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 7. He was arraigned and is currently being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on $25,000 cash bail.

• Berkshire District Attorney and Yo-Yo Ma greet Vice President Kamala Harris at campaign stop

  PITTSFIELD, MA – Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue was among the prominent figures who attended a fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on July 27, 2024. The event, held at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, attracted a crowd of prominent politicians and celebrated artists.

  The fundraiser boasted an impressive list of attendees, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Edward Markey, Congressman Richard Neal and former Governor Deval Patrick. State Senator Paul Mark was also in attendance. Performances by well-known musicians James Taylor and Yo-Yo Ma added a touch of glamour to the evening and captivated the audience.

  This gathering underscores the strong support Harris is receiving from Democratic Party leaders in the presidential campaign. The event underscored the community's commitment and enthusiasm for the upcoming election.