Brady Mourns Murder of Three Children and Their Mother from Intimate Partner Violence, Calls for Action, “Enough is Enough”

Washington, D.C., November 16, 2019 - This evening, Brady mourns the murder of three children and their 29-year-old mother resulting from intimate partner violence. A fourth child remains in surgery at this time following injuries from a firearm.

Kyleanne Hunter, Brady’s Vice President of Programs, shared:

“I’m sickened and furious that we once again woke up to news of senseless and preventable gun violence in one of our communities. San Diego police have confirmed that today’s tragedy in Paradise Hills was a result of intimate partner violence and that the adult victim had obtained a restraining order against her husband, the perpetrator.

While California has some of the most comprehensive gun violence prevention laws in the country, national action is needed as well to help stop these American tragedies. The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act would have included provisions which would facilitate and expand the implementation of ERPO laws in domestic abuse cases, and help create uniform standards to keep guns away from those that have proven themselves a danger to themselves and to others. However, Senator Joni Ernst recently jettisoned its reauthorization.

We know that the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by up to 500 percent. That was the case here.

Less than 72 hours after the school shooting in Santa Clarita, California, it’s chilling to know, as well, that Paradise Hills Elementary School was only a block away from this tragedy. My heart is with the family and the community, and I’m heartbroken that the three children will not be back in their seats there on Monday. We are failing our families, our communities and all who live in this country."

The San Diego police confirmed that the adult woman victim was married to the perpetrator and had obtained a restraining order yesterday, which had not yet been served. Officers had previously responded to a disturbance at the home on November 1 and provided advice to the victim on how to obtain a restraining order against her husband.

Brady President Kris Brown stated:

“It is unacceptable to me that three young children and their mother were murdered in an act of domestic violence this morning. We know that the adult victim was married to the perpetrator and that she had obtained a restraining order against him. We know that California has some of the most comprehensive gun violence prevention laws in the country.

And, we know that it was not enough.

In the United States, a woman is shot and killed by a current or former partner roughly every 16 hours. Actionable solutions like expanded universal background checks and federal action on Extreme Risk Protection Order laws (ERPO laws) - such as those included in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, which was abandoned in the Senate by Senator Joni Ernst and reintroduced by Senator Diane Feinstein - are commonsense policies that will keep guns out of the hands that are proven to be a danger to themselves or to others.

It’s too late to protect these children and their mother. It’s not too late to protect other families. It’s in the hands of every person in this country sick of the endless litany of senseless loss, to do something. ”

The San Diego police urged residents to seek help and resources if they or those around them face intimate partner violence. San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit noted that the police department receives “nearly 50 calls a day” from individuals seeking information or assistance related to intimate partner or family violence. Chief Nisleit shared that residents can always call the SDPD non-emergency line (619-531-2000) or the San Diego Family Justice Center and that, if there is an emergency, to call 9-1-1. Chief Nisleit reinforced the department’s commitment to helping end domestic and family violence, concluding, “don’t be afraid to call, this is the first step.”

If you or someone you know needs help or a safe place, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or go to thehotline.org to chat without having to say a word. The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 is available to victims and survivors and can refer you to a local crisis center.