Evairena O'Connor Flores, 41, female, was killed on August 23, 2006 in San Antonio after a long and violent history of domestic abuse. She had recently divorced her husband, Matthew O'Connor, and had taken steps to protect herself, including obtaining a restraining order and the court-mandated electronic monitoring of her ex-husband after he violated it.
These measures, however, were not enough to prevent the tragedy that would unfold inside her home.
On the day of the murder, Matthew forced his way into the residence by breaking down the door. Contrary to early reports that he ensured the family had left before the attack, one of their daughters later revealed that she and her own young daughter—Evairena's granddaughter—were still inside. Her sister managed to run out when the door was breached, but she remained, witnessing the horror as Matthew shot Evairena. Afterward, he looked at his daughter and apologized. As she stepped closer to see her mother lying lifeless on the floor, Matthew raised the gun once again. She fled before he fired three final shots, killing himself.
The murder-suicide left behind a family scarred by trauma and loss. There were no arrests, as Matthew O'Connor's death ended any potential prosecution. The case remains a harrowing example of domestic violence escalating beyond the reach of protective measures, leaving a daughter to bear witness to both her mother's murder and her father's final act.
