Gladys Cabrera, aged 52, tragically lost her life on October 18, 2012, in Casselberry, Florida. She was one of the victims in a horrific shooting rampage that took place at a local hair salon. The incident occurred when Bradford Baumet, a 36-year-old man with a history of criminal behavior, stormed into the salon with a gun. Baumet's primary targets were the salon's manager and owner, his 44-year-old ex-girlfriend, and her business partner.
The two women were scheduled to appear in court later that day to seek a permanent injunction against him. Unfortunately, Gladys, who was at the salon with her adult daughter for a day of pampering, became an unintended victim. As she sat in a salon chair, Baumet entered and within moments, fatally shot two employees, critically injured his ex-girlfriend, and shot Gladys in the head, killing her instantly. Her daughter survived the attack.
The aftermath of the shooting revealed the extent of Baumet's violent history. He had a long record of criminal activities, including domestic violence, stalking, trespassing, burglary, and making obscene phone calls. Despite the temporary injunctions obtained by his ex-girlfriend and her business partner, Baumet managed to acquire a stolen gun and carry out his deadly plan. After the rampage, he fled to a friend's home nearby, where he ultimately took his own life.
The tragic event not only claimed the lives of Gladys Cabrera and two other women but also highlighted the severe consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for effective protective measures. The other victims included Noelia Gonzalez-Brito, a 28-year-old salon employee who was five months pregnant, and Eugenia "Mari" Marte, the 45-year-old co-owner of the salon. Baumet's ex-girlfriend, who was critically injured, faced a long and challenging recovery.
In the wake of the shooting, there were no further arrests or litigations directly related to the incident, as the perpetrator had already committed suicide. However, the case drew significant attention to the issues of domestic violence and the legal system's ability to protect victims. The community mourned the loss of Gladys Cabrera, a beloved wife, mother of four, and grandmother of three, whose life was senselessly cut short by an act of violence.
