Mother Accused of Killing Daughter Hours After Losing Custody Battle

A Houston mother is accused of shooting her 4-year-old daughter dead and then turning the gun on herself, hours after a court awarded full custody of the child to her ex-husband. Cibelle Savella, also known as Cibelle Kubala, was found with a gunshot wound to the face, according to police. Her daughter, Vivian, was also found with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident occurred at a gated community home on Terra Reserve Place in Houston. Police stated that Savella was meant to hand Vivian over to her ex-husband, private equity lawyer Aaron Savella, on Tuesday night. Instead, the shooting allegedly took place at her partner's townhouse.

Savella's partner, Greg Kubala, and a babysitter were reportedly present at the residence during the incident. Both witnesses attempted to provide CPR to Vivian and her mother. Savella was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but is expected to survive.

Aaron is 'devastated' by the horrific act of violence and, in a statement issued through his attorney, said he did 'everything the law asks of a parent to protect their child'

Aaron Savella released a statement through his attorney expressing his devastation. He stated that he had "done everything the law asks of a parent to protect their child." The couple, Cibelle Savella and Aaron Savella, married in 2020.

The 34-year-old then turned the gun around and shot herself in the face, police said. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but is expected to survive

Savella, 34, is facing charges of capital murder. The investigation is ongoing.

Mother Accused of Killing Daughter Hours After Losing Custody Battle

Authorities allege a Houston mother fatally shot her 4-year-old daughter and then herself shortly after her ex-husband was granted full custody.

Sources