The loved ones of Marisa Galloway, a mother of two who was shot dead by her ex-mother-in-law, have started a GoFundMe page to support her orphaned daughters. The fundraiser aims to provide financial assistance for the expenses and legacy of Galloway, who was killed by her former mother-in-law Kathleen Leigh during a bitter custody battle over Galloway’s toddler. Within the first four hours of its launch, the “Honor Marisa Galloway: Support Her Legacy” GoFundMe had already raised around $10,000 of its $50,000 goal, reflecting the outpouring of support for the family.
Described as a kind, generous, and loving person, Marisa Galloway dedicated her life to her two daughters, Lili and Mariel. Her tragic and untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, but her memory will continue to live on in her daughters and in the hearts of all who loved her. The fundraiser seeks to honor Galloway’s legacy and ensure that her daughters are taken care of in the wake of the devastating loss.
The heartbreaking incident unfolded on a quiet Upper East Side street during what appeared to be a custody switch-off between Galloway and her ex-partner. After loading her 1-year-old daughter into her car, Galloway was shot in the head and back by Leigh, who then took her own life. The shocking act has been described by law enforcement officials as a tragedy of unimaginable proportions, with one source calling it “biblical” in its darkness.
It was revealed that Leigh, a former Chicago probation officer, had been living with her son in her apartment on East 79th Street while undergoing treatment for terminal cancer. The father had custody of their 4-year-old daughter for part of the week, while Galloway had their younger daughter for the remainder. Leigh had reportedly suspected Galloway of being abusive towards the toddler, which may have contributed to the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day.
Prior to the incident, Galloway and her ex-partner had a history of reported domestic incidents, spanning several months from July 2021 through November. Despite their troubled past, the focus now lies on supporting the orphaned daughters who have been left behind. The GoFundMe campaign set up in honor of Marisa Galloway is a testament to the impact she had on those around her, and the community’s willingness to come together to support her family during this difficult time.
