Mary Lynne Mabry, a 57-year-old woman from Baroda, Michigan, was fatally shot on Father's Day, June 18, 2023, in a tragic incident that unfolded at her home. Known affectionately in her community as 'British Mary,' she was sitting on her back patio with her husband when her stepson, 60-year-old David Lee Mabry of Stevensville, arrived at the residence.
According to police reports, what began as a conversation escalated into a fatal confrontation.
The dispute reportedly centered around cats that David Mabry had left at the home. When he was informed that the cats were no longer there, he became enraged. Without any apparent provocation, he drew a handgun and shot his stepmother. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Mary Mabry's husband struggled with his son and managed to disarm him. David Mabry then fled the scene in a vehicle.
Law enforcement was quickly alerted, and a search for the suspect ensued. David Mabry was located and arrested a short time later. He was subsequently charged with open murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. His bond was set at $1 million.
The case took an unexpected turn just days after the arrest. On June 20, 2023, David Lee Mabry was found unresponsive in his cell at the Berrien County Jail. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead. An autopsy was performed to determine the cause of his death. The preliminary findings indicated that there were no signs of suspicious activity or self-inflicted fatal wounds, and it was reported that he had pre-existing medical conditions. The investigation into his death was handed over to the Michigan State Police.
