Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Mother Who Fought for Custody: Estranged Husband Arrested
Las Vegas, Nevada – In a heartbreaking incident that has left a community in shock, Marillorky Tamayo Cruz, a mother who was fighting for custody of her two daughters, was fatally shot by her estranged husband. The devastating incident unfolded at a senior apartment community on Jones Boulevard in Las Vegas.
According to an arrest report from the Metropolitan Police Department, Tamayo Cruz had just informed her 14-year-old daughter that she had won full custody of her and her 2-year-old sister. Moments later, her estranged husband, identified as Roidan Durruthy-Mendoza, began climbing the balcony of Tamayo Cruz’s parents’ house where she had been staying during the divorce proceedings.
Tamayo Cruz, in an attempt to protect herself, locked herself in a bedroom. However, Durruthy-Mendoza forcefully kicked down the door, grabbed her by the hair, and shot her three times. He then proceeded towards another bedroom where Tamayo Cruz’s sister, brother-in-law, and parents were hiding. Despite their efforts to barricade the door, Durruthy-Mendoza shot through it, injuring Tamayo Cruz’s mother and brother-in-law. It was during this terrifying ordeal that the brave 14-year-old girl managed to stab her mother’s attacker in the back with a knife.
Durruthy-Mendoza eventually turned himself in at the Metropolitan Police Department’s headquarters approximately 45 minutes after the shooting. He confessed to the crime, stating, I killed my wife, as documented in the arrest report. He was subsequently taken to University Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
The family had expressed fear of Durruthy-Mendoza due to his history of making threats. Court documents also revealed that Tamayo Cruz had filed for divorce in July, citing a history of domestic violence by the defendant. Tragically, her past attempts to seek help were unsuccessful, and the case was dismissed.
The community is now left mourning the loss of a caring and devoted mother. Tamayo Cruz, who had emigrated from Cuba, was determined to provide a better life for her daughters. She had a real estate license, owned a food truck, and was a certified bartender. However, due to the domestic violence she endured, she was often confined to her own home.
Tamayo Cruz’s parents have recently been granted custody of her daughters, but this comes with the tremendous responsibility of caring for the young children. In an effort to support them during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been created to assist with funeral expenses.
This tragic incident serves as a harsh reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. It is crucial for communities to come together to raise awareness, support victims, and work towards preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this senseless act of violence. May Marillorky Tamayo Cruz rest in peace, and may her daughters find strength and healing in the midst of this unimaginable loss.
