John Mbuyi Identified in Haltom City Shooting That Killed Raissa Thatukila and Daughter Nathy Mbuyi in Premeditated Attack, Police Say

A deadly shooting in Haltom City that left a mother and her young daughter dead was a premeditated and targeted attack, according to police.

Authorities say 30-year-old John Mbuyi carried out the shooting after allegedly luring the victims to a Birdville ISD parking lot under the pretense of giving them money. Investigators say the encounter was a planned ambush, not a spontaneous act of violence.

The victims were identified as 33-year-old Raissa Thatukila and 6-year-old Nathy Mbuyi, the suspect’s own daughter. The shooting occurred Friday in the 6100 block of East Belknap Road, near the Birdville ISD administrative offices and Birdville Stadium in North Texas.

Police said Mbuyi died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the attack.

Investigators revealed that Mbuyi and Thatukila had been involved in an ongoing custody dispute. Authorities said evidence suggests he had developed “significant grievances” toward her prior to the shooting.

“This was not a spontaneous incident but a deliberate act of violence,” the Haltom City Police Department said in a statement Monday.

Nathy Mbuyi was a kindergarten student at Cheney Hills Elementary School, located near the scene of the shooting. In response to the tragedy, Birdville ISD notified families that crisis counselors would be available on campus starting Monday and would remain as long as needed.

In the days following the incident, a memorial grew outside the Birdville ISD administration building, where community members left flowers, balloons, and stuffed animals in honor of the victims.

Friends and loved ones described Raissa Thatukila as kind, caring, and deeply devoted to her daughter.

“Memories never go away. She still lives in my head — her and her child. I cherish every moment that I had to spend with them,” said Caleb Badibanga, who knew Thatukila through work.

He visited the memorial to pay his respects, describing the young girl as bright and full of life.

“There’s a lot I can say, but I don’t know where to start or where to finish,” he said. “They were really important to me, and I’m really broken right now.”

Authorities say no further details will be released as the department seeks to give the victims’ loved ones time and privacy to grieve.

“Out of respect for the family and friends affected by this tragedy, we will not be releasing additional information,” the department said. “This is to allow those impacted the space and privacy needed to begin healing.”