KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — There are new disturbing details about the murders of a Harrisburg mother and her teenage daughter outside the Department of Social Services building in Kannapolis on Wednesday morning.
Court documents show the mom had taken steps to leave the relationship with her estranged husband, who police say killed her and her daughter. They indicate that just days before the shooting, on Valentine’s Day, a judge gave temporary custody of the couple’s 6-year-old child to the mother.
“It’s devastating, it’s unthinkable, and it’s more common than we often realize,” said Dr. Charryse Johnson, a psychotherapist in Charlotte.
On Wednesday, Kannapolis Police say 51-year-old Rafael Lopez went to the Cabarrus County DSS office, where his estranged wife, 45-year-old Maria Julian-Pichardo, and her 19-year-old daughter Yamilaine Sosa-Julian, were planning to meet with a social worker about a domestic violence incident with Lopez earlier this month.
Police say Lopez found the women in the parking lot, then shot and killed them. He then led law enforcement on a chase before he shot and killed himself.
Johnson says there’s an important takeaway from this tragedy.
“She was right outside of DSS in the parking lot, where there was an armed guard, and things and tragic incidents can happen very quickly, but I just want to say even though this is a tragic incident that occurred when she was doing all the right things doesn’t mean don’t do all the right things,” said Johnson.
Documents show that on Feb. 1, deputies were called to the couple’s home in Harrisburg where Lopez is accused of trying to smother his wife, holding a gun to her head, and threatening to kill Julian-Pichardo.
Lopez was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence for that incident, was out on bond, and had just had his child taken away and was served with a domestic violence protective order on Valentine’s Day.
Johnson says it’s important to notice signs of aggression early on in a relationship and not to downplay them.
“Really pay attention and be honest with yourself about, ‘Do I feel comfortable, and do I feel safe?” she said.
Johnson adds that if you suspect there could be problems in your relationship, it’s important to make a plan right away to communicate with your friends and family. This includes possibly having code words or emojis to text in case of an emergency, and also to have a side phone to use so that if your phone is taken away in a domestic incident, you have a backup way to get help.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Cabarrus County’s DSS Director Hollye McCallum released the following statement to Queen City News:
Cabarrus County is deeply saddened by the tragic events at the Department of Social Services facility on South Cannon Boulevard.
Our hearts are with those directly impacted by this devastating incident. We are truly grateful for the tremendous support shown by our peers from around the state and our Cabarrus County community.
While no staff was directly involved, we understand the emotional toll it has taken. We are committed to providing support to team members who need it.
We are proud of our staff’s strength and solidarity. In the days ahead, we will remain focused on supporting them while ensuring stability in the important work they do each and every day.
