Tara Elise McNulty, a 33-year-old woman, tragically lost her life on November 5, 2017, in the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Tara was a resident of Sutherland Springs and was known for her kind and loving nature. She was a single mother to two children, Hailey and James, who were with her during the attack. Both children were wounded but survived after undergoing surgery.
The shooter, identified as Devin Patrick Kelley, carried out the attack,
killing 26 people and injuring 20 others. Kelley had a history of domestic violence and had been court-martialed by the U.S. Air Force for assaulting his wife and fracturing his stepson's skull. Despite this, his criminal history was not entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System , which allowed him to purchase firearms.
In the aftermath of the shooting, there were no arrests or suspects other than Kelley, who took his own life after the attack. The incident led to multiple litigations and investigations, including a lawsuit filed by survivors and families of the victims against the U.S. Air Force for failing to report Kelley's criminal history. The lawsuit alleged that the Air Force's negligence contributed to the tragedy.
The community and Tara's family received an outpouring of support, with fundraisers organized to cover funeral expenses and medical costs for her children. Tara was remembered fondly by friends and colleagues, who described her as a conscientious, engaging, and loving individual.
The Sutherland Springs shooting remains one of the deadliest mass shootings in Texas history, prompting discussions on gun control, mental health, and the need for improved background checks.
