Texas mom kills four-year-old daughter, self after losing custody case

A Texas woman and her four-year-old daughter have died in an apparent murder-suicide hours after a court ruling in a custody dispute, authorities said.

According to the New York Post, police identified the woman as Cibelle Savella, 35, and her daughter as Vivian.

“There was a custody hearing earlier today that didn’t go well for the mother,” Houston Police Lieutenant Larry Crowson said.

“She came home, shot her 4-year-old, and then shot herself.”

Savella was hospitalised following the shooting but died from her injuries a day later.

The incident occurred after a judge reportedly placed Vivian in the primary care of her father, Aaron Savella, with a custody transfer expected that evening.

Relatives said they were “devastated” by Vivian’s death.

“Vivian was 4 years old. She was loved without limit by her father, Aaron, and by everyone whose life she touched. There are no words for what has been taken from us.”

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.