MWC Murder/Suicide Raises Concerns Over Domestic Violence

Adrianna Iwasinski, News 9

MIDWEST CITY, Oklahoma -- Heartbreak for one metro family after their loved one died in the hospital Monday. Police say Rebecca Rankin Merrick died at the hands of her boyfriend.

10/8/2011 Related Story: Midwest City Police Investigate Attempted Murder, Suicide

What's even more disturbing, the woman's 18-year-old daughter witnessed the whole thing.

Neighbors said the teenager was visiting her mom this past weekend, and ran to a neighbor's house to call for help.

That is where Merrick's daughter called 911 for help.

10/10/2011 Related Story: Midwest City Police Release 911 Call Made After Murder/Suicide

She was inside when the shooting occurred and witnessed her mother's fiancée pulling the trigger.

Once help arrived to the house on Mimosa Drive, they found 45-year-old Charles Murrah dead of a gunshot wound to the head.

His longtime girlfriend, Merrick, was clinging to life after being shot as well. She later died at the hospital from her injuries.

Pictures of the couple found on Becky's Facebook account show the two during happier days. In January, she announced, "I'm engaged!"

She even posted "I love my man" on her status not long ago. But the relationship had recently gone south.

"In Midwest City, this is our second murder suicide we've had this year," said Brandon Clabes, Midwest City Police Chief.

Clabes said Murrah was unemployed. And the two had only recently moved to their house in Midwest City.

But there were no calls of any domestic violence, until Saturday.

"The problem seems to be people don't view life as precious any longer," said Clabes. "And they resort to violence instead of mental health providers or doing the right thing in a domestic violence situation."

Chief Clabes says Merrick had recently asked Murrah to move out, and that is what led to Saturday's shooting.

Clabes advises anyone who finds themselves in a domestic violence situation should seek help as soon as possible.

Besides seeking help from a local mental health care provider or clergy member, you can also contact the YWCA for help.