Mother Fatally Shot at Son's Birthday Party by Ex-Husband
A California woman was killed and her friend critically injured when her ex-husband allegedly opened fire at a trampoline park where their son was celebrating his eighth birthday.
A California mother was fatally shot by her ex-husband last Saturday while celebrating her son's eighth birthday at a trampoline park, according to authorities.
Samantha Lee Cromwell, 29, was outside the Urban Air Adventure Park in Sacramento when she and a friend were shot, the Sacramento Police Department stated. Emergency services provided medical aid to Cromwell, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her friend, identified by Cromwell's stepfather as Faith, was transported to a hospital and remains in critical condition.
Police identified the suspect as Edward Lee Daniel Tucker Jr., 36. He was taken into custody and charged with multiple felony counts, including murder, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Jail records indicate he is ineligible for bail.
Tucker and Cromwell shared an eight-year-old son named DJ. According to CBS News, Cromwell's stepfather Cedric Ward stated that their relationship was allegedly abusive and that Cromwell had been trying to leave Tucker for some time before their divorce.
In 2024, Tucker was arrested and charged in connection with a gang operation in Fresno County, California, which included charges for possession of a firearm and shooting at an inhabited dwelling, according to the Fresno District Attorney's Office.
Following the incident, Cromwell's son DJ was taken in by Ward. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established by Cromwell's sister, Alyvia Cromwell, to cover funeral expenses and support DJ. A rally is scheduled to be held on October 4 at Hagginwood Park to honor Samantha Cromwell's life.