Rebecca Robertson, a 31-year-old mother of three, tragically lost her life on October 3, 2010, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident was a murder-suicide, where she was shot by her longtime boyfriend, Barry Leake, aged 39, who then turned the gun on himself. The event took place at Leake's home in northeast Charlotte, where six children and another couple were present at the time.
Rebecca Robertson was the mother of three of the children, while the other three children belonged to her sister, Lateefah Quarles, who was also staying the night.
Rebecca Robertson had been receiving threatening text messages from Barry Leake, and she had predicted her own murder less than an hour before it happened. According to her sister, Lateefah Quarles, Rebecca had expressed her fear that Leake would shoot her in the face as soon as they entered the house. Tragically, this prediction came true when Leake shot her, and when she fell to the ground, he shot her again. Rebecca's mother, Clarina Williams, recounted the harrowing details of the incident.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police had previously responded to the home for a domestic violence call about a week before the incident. Rebecca Robertson had initially told officers she would sign out a warrant against Leake at the magistrate's office but later declined to do so. She had informed the police that she was planning to move out of the home. Domestic violence victims' advocates emphasize the importance of safety planning, as women are most at risk when trying to leave an abusive relationship. Unfortunately, Rebecca Robertson's family is now mourning the loss of their sister, daughter, and mother of three, whose children have lost both parents.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by domestic violence victims and the critical need for support and resources to help them escape abusive relationships. Organizations like United Family Services and the Women's Commission offer free shelters for women trying to leave abusive situations. Rebecca Robertson's tragic death serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing adequate support to those in need.
