'Raise awareness to domestic violence': Family says Glendale mother of 3 killed in front yard

GLENDALE, Wis (CBS 58) -- A mother of three is dead after her family says she was shot and killed in a tragic domestic violence incident at her home in Glendale on Monday night, Sept. 29.

"She loved everybody," said Tammy, a family member of McFarlane.

A vigil was held 45-year-old Kamonti McFarlane, whose loved ones say she inspired those around her.

To many she was known for her big smile and even bigger heart.

“I didn’t have a lot of people to believe in me but her," said Victoria, a family member of McFarlane. "She did and that meant the world to me.”
Kamonti's family says Monday night, she was shot and killed in front of her home in Glendale along Shasta Dr. by a man she had been seeing for over year.

"They found my baby in the streets and she crawled into the street from her car," said Beverly, a family member of McFarlane. "So, I want to take his neighborhood with me, because I should have been here with her. I should’ve been here."

Her family says McFarlane being taken in such a violent way makes the grief so much harder, wishing they would have known she was in trouble.

"Raise awareness to domestic violence," Tammy. "First red flag you see, man or woman get out of it, because it can lead to this right here and this hurts. It hurts really bad for me to stand here where my niece took her last breath."

Kamonti was considered a pillar in the community, helping people in any way she could and also worked as a beloved dental hygienist for Milwaukee Health Services.

"She was in a field that put a lot of smiles on people’s faces," said Beverly. "Dead or alive, I’m proud of my baby.”

Her family says police were able to find the man responsible, but there is no justice as her three young kids are now left without a mother.

"I just want everybody to know we love her so much," said Tammy. "She is so loved. Yes, she did a lot for the community, but she did even more for her family."

The Glendale Police Department says they have suspect in custody for Monday night's shooting but wouldn't name that person or if they are being charged, saying it's still an active investigation.

If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, please don't hesitate to reach out to any of these Milwaukee area resources: 

National Domestic Violence Hotline*: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Sojourner Family Peace Center: (414) 933-2722

The Asha Project: (414) 252-0075

Hmong American Women's Association: (414) 930-9352

UMOS Latina Resource Center: (414) 389-6510

Our Peaceful Home: (414) 727-1090

Diverse and Resilient: (414) 856-LGBT (5428)

Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center: (414) 383-9526

Milwaukee Women's Center: (414) 671-6140