A mother from Maryland was shot and killed by her former partner, who subsequently took his own life, according to officials.
Tequia Nails, 32, was discovered with gunshot wounds in her Fairmount Heights, Md., residence, where police arrived at approximately 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, as stated in a press release from the Prince George’s County Police Department. Authorities confirmed her death at the location, according to the statement.
Police reported that at approximately 10 a.m. the following day, they were informed of the death of 26-year-old Quindell Mercer, identified as the ex-boyfriend of Nails, in Washington, D.C. Authorities indicated that Mercer is suspected of shooting Nails before escaping the location, describing the incident as a “domestic-related” fatal shooting linked to a murder-suicide scenario.
Nails was honored in her obituary as a loving mother to four children: an 8-year-old son, a 3-year-old daughter, and two-month-old twins.
According to sources, Mercer is identified as the father of her twins, one of whom she was reportedly holding at the time of the shooting. According to Fox 5 DC, family members have confirmed that Mercer is the father of the twins. Police did not clarify the connection between the two children, only stating that they “were in a previous relationship.” The announcement did not clarify if there were additional individuals present during the shooting incident.
Family members reported that Mercer fired shots after Nails persistently requested him to leave, and she had previously indicated her desire to end their relationship.
“It’s traumatic,” a neighbor who wished to stay anonymous told WJLA of the circumstances surrounding the shooting. “I wouldn’t imagine no child growing up like that — like it’s bad you wouldn’t want to see no child grow up like that for a person to be holding her newborn child.”
Nails’ family is struggling to cope with the loss.
