In a parking lot in Haltom City, Texas, the life of 6-year-old Nathy Mbuyi was tragically cut short on the afternoon of Friday, March 27, 2026. Nathy, a kindergarten student at Cheney Hills Elementary School, was with her 33-year-old mother, Raissa Thatukila, when they were both fatally shot. The peaceful setting near the Birdville ISD administrative offices became a scene of profound loss, leaving a community to grapple with the sudden and violent event. The incident was not a random act but a planned attack with deep familial roots.
The suspect in the killings was identified by police as 30-year-old John Mbuyi, Nathy's father. Investigators determined that the shooting was a premeditated and targeted ambush. John Mbuyi had lured his daughter and her mother to the parking lot of Birdville Stadium under the false promise of giving them money. He arrived in a U-Haul truck and, upon their arrival, opened fire into the car where Nathy and Raissa were sitting. After killing them, John Mbuyi took his own life at the scene.
Authorities concluded that the motive for this devastating act was a deliberate act of violence stemming from an ongoing custody dispute between John Mbuyi and Raissa Thatukila over their daughter. Evidence revealed that the suspect harbored significant grievances toward Thatukila. Compounding the situation, he was also experiencing personal distress following the recent death of his own father and had expressed concerning thoughts related to death. The Haltom City Police Department stated that it was a carefully planned ambush rather than a spontaneous incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community mourned the loss of the young girl and her mother. A memorial of flowers, balloons, and stuffed animals grew in the parking lot where they died. Nathy was remembered by her family for her sweet spirit and the kindness and warmth she showed to everyone, a pure heart whose presence could light up a room. The Birdville Independent School District expressed its devastation over the loss of one of its students and made crisis counselors available to support students and staff at Cheney Hills Elementary. As there was no trial or conviction due to the suspect's death, the case was closed, leaving a family and a community to grieve.
