MaryAnn Dimitrov, a 54-year-old woman from Wilmington, NC, tragically lost her life on December 7, 2021, in a murder-suicide incident. The incident occurred at the Holly Tree Racquet Club, where her estranged husband, Dimitre Dimitrov, 64, allegedly shot her before turning the gun on himself. The couple had been separated since September and were undergoing a bitter divorce, with a history of domestic violence disputes involving allegations of physical and verbal abuse against each other.
On the day of the incident, Dimitre Dimitrov had filed for an extension in their custody battle over their 12-year-old son, which was approved by the court. The shooting took place in the presence of children, although no children were physically injured. Wilmington police officers responded to the scene and found MaryAnn Dimitrov suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite their efforts to administer CPR, she died at the scene. Dimitre Dimitrov, who had inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
MaryAnn Dimitrov's death has had a profound impact on her family and the community. Her daughter, Rachel Knowles, has been working to raise awareness and support for domestic violence survivors in Wilmington. In memory of her mother, Knowles has organized a tennis tournament called "Raise a Racquet Against Domestic Violence," with all proceeds going to Wilmington's Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. The Holly Tree Racquet Club and the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association have also been involved in supporting this cause.
The tragic event has highlighted the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support for victims and their families. MaryAnn Dimitrov's story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the need for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies.
