6-Year-Old Haltom City Shooting Victim Remembered for Sweet Spirit

Nathy Mbuyi's family has organized a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses after the tragic murder-suicide.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:34pm

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Nathy Mbuyi, a 6-year-old kindergarten student, was fatally shot along with her mother, Raissa Thatukila, in a parking lot outside Birdville Stadium in Haltom City, Texas. The suspect, Nathy's father John Mbuyi, then turned the gun on himself. Nathy's family remembers her as a kind, warm, and pure-hearted child whose presence 'truly special.' A GoFundMe has been organized to help cover the young girl's funeral and burial expenses.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and custody disputes, which can have horrific consequences for innocent children. The community is mourning the loss of a young life and the family is seeking privacy as they grieve.

The details

According to police, John Mbuyi had been involved in a custody dispute with Thatukila over their child, and the killings were 'a premeditated and targeted attack.' Police also said the suspect had been 'experiencing personal distress following the death of his father.' John Mbuyi's family members told a local TV station that they were shocked by what had happened and unaware of an ongoing dispute between the couple, adding that the 30-year-old Mbuyi adored his daughter.

  • The shooting occurred on Friday, April 1, 2026.
  • As of Wednesday afternoon, over $1,300 toward a $6,500 goal had been raised through the GoFundMe.

The players

Nathy Mbuyi

A 6-year-old kindergarten student at Cheney Hills Elementary who was fatally shot in the incident.

Raissa Thatukila

Nathy Mbuyi's 33-year-old mother, who was also fatally shot in the incident.

John Mbuyi

Nathy Mbuyi's 30-year-old father, who fatally shot Nathy and Raissa before turning the gun on himself.

Nathy Tshiteya

A family member who organized the GoFundMe to help cover Nathy Mbuyi's funeral expenses.

Cheryl Waddell

The principal of Cheney Hills Elementary, where Nathy Mbuyi was a student.

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What they’re saying

“Though she didn't say much, her kindness, warmth, and pure heart spoke volumes. She carried a softness and innocence that made her presence truly special.”

— Nathy Tshiteya, Family member

“The moments that I did have with her were so beautiful and her presence would light up a room.”

— Nathy Tshiteya, Family member

“The school community is devastated by Nathy's death.”

— Cheryl Waddell, Principal, Cheney Hills Elementary

What’s next

The family is asking for privacy as they process the tragedy.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for better resources and support systems to address domestic violence and custody disputes, in order to prevent such tragedies from occurring and protect innocent children.