On Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018, the life of 42-year-old Melisa Widger was tragically cut short in a devastating act of domestic violence in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Melisa and her 20-year-old special needs daughter, Nichol 'Nikki' Widger, were fatally shot by her husband, 45-year-old Eric Widger Sr., who then took his own life.
The events of that evening unfolded at the family's home, which Melisa and Nikki had moved out of two months prior due to marital issues.
They had returned to the residence on Easter at the request of their 18-year-old son, who was concerned about his father. An argument ensued between Melisa and Eric, during which she expressed her desire for a divorce. In response, Eric Widger Sr. opened fire on his family.
During the rampage, Eric shot and killed Melisa and Nikki. He also shot his son, who, despite his injuries, managed to escape to a neighbor's house and call for help. The son's girlfriend, who was also present, was allowed to leave unharmed.
After the shootings, Eric Widger Sr. contacted a relative and confessed to killing his wife and daughter before ending his own life. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they found Melisa, Nikki, and Eric deceased. The investigation that followed confirmed the incident as a murder-suicide, with Eric Widger Sr. identified as the sole perpetrator. As he was deceased, no arrests were made in the case.
