Hilliard, FL – A heartbreaking and devastating incident unfolded on the night of July 24, 2025, in Hilliard, Florida, when 34-year-old Christopher Rowell shot and killed three women in what is being described as a tragic case of domestic violence. The victims—Rowell’s wife, Marissa Rowell; his sister-in-law, Alisha Fogarty; and his mother-in-law, Sandra Fogarty—were fatally shot inside their home before Rowell turned the gun on himself. Rowell was found with a faint pulse and later died from his injuries at the hospital.

The tragic event has left the family in shock, and a grieving family member, Steven Hallmark, spoke publicly about the loss, sharing the emotional toll this devastating act of violence has taken on those left behind.

The Tragic Shooting: A Family Shattered by Domestic Violence

According to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place on the night of July 24 at a home in Hilliard. The tragedy unfolded when Christopher Rowell opened fire on his wife, Marissa Rowell, her sister, Alisha Fogarty, and their mother, Sandra Fogarty. After the shooting, Rowell turned the gun on himself, attempting suicide. He was found by authorities with a faint pulse, but despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

In the aftermath of the incident, family members were left in shock and mourning. Steven Hallmark, the cousin of the victims, spoke out publicly, revealing that Marissa, Alisha, and Sandra were in the process of leaving Christopher Rowell at the time of the shooting. Hallmark described the horrific loss as something he is still struggling to process, describing the three women as “beautiful” and stating that they did not deserve the fate that befell them.

A Grieving Family Member Speaks Out: Steven Hallmark’s Heartbreaking Reflections

In an interview with First Coast News, Steven Hallmark, the cousin of Marissa Rowell and Alisha Fogarty, shared his deep grief and pain. He explained that it wasn’t until the following morning that he realized who the shooter was, after hearing his name on the radio.

“I was at work listening to the radio and I had heard the shooter’s name and as soon as I heard his name, my heart just skipped. I knew instantly,” Hallmark said, his voice filled with sorrow.

Hallmark further revealed that the three victims had been in the process of leaving Christopher Rowell. Marissa Rowell had plans to leave her husband and take their daughter with her. The family was already in the process of moving out, with their belongings packed into a U-Haul.

“My aunt just bought a house and they were in the process of moving. Marissa was going to be leaving him, taking the kid,” Hallmark explained. “She was so happy to be a mom. That’s all. She’s always wanted a baby.”

The shooting was reportedly the result of a longstanding pattern of troubling behavior by Christopher Rowell, who had a history of violent outbursts. According to Hallmark, Rowell was often out drinking late at night, returning home to yell and threaten Marissa.

“He wouldn’t be involved with the child,” Hallmark said. “He’d obviously be going out drinking with his friends, come home at midnight, two, three in the morning, always yelling and threatening…cussing at Marissa, trying to kick her out the house.”

The Only Survivor: Marissa’s 5-Year-Old Daughter Escapes

The only survivor of the violent shooting was Marissa’s 5-year-old daughter. According to deputies, after the shooting, the young girl managed to escape the house and ran to a neighbor’s home, where 911 was called. Her quick thinking likely saved her life, but the trauma of witnessing the violence and losing her mother, aunt, and grandmother will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact.

Hallmark shared that the shooter’s mother now has custody of the girl, and the family has not been allowed contact with her. “My aunt Sandy, she gave up her whole life up in Tennessee to move down here to take care of them, and the baby, she’s always wanted a grandkid,” Hallmark said, reflecting on the sacrifices his family had made to care for the child. “Marissa was just so happy to be a mom. She was so happy. That’s all.”

The Shocking Nature of Domestic Violence and Its Devastating Consequences

This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence, which often remains hidden until it escalates to violence. Marissa, Alisha, and Sandra were reportedly in the process of leaving Christopher Rowell when the violence occurred. The act of domestic violence not only resulted in the senseless loss of three lives but also left behind a young child who will have to carry the burden of this trauma for the rest of her life.

Hallmark, in his interview, emphasized the importance of speaking out against domestic violence. He urged anyone who is struggling in an abusive relationship to seek help before the situation escalates into something far worse.

“Go get help, don’t just sit on it,” Hallmark said. “Don’t keep it in. Go speak to someone and get it out there because something like this happening is devastating.”

A GoFundMe Launched for Funeral and Memorial Costs

In the wake of this tragedy, the victims’ family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of cremation and memorial services. As they struggle to cope with their grief, the family is also asking for help from the community to give their loved ones a proper farewell.

The GoFundMe page has been met with an outpouring of support, with people from around the community coming together to donate and share messages of sympathy. GoFundMe

Conclusion: A Family in Crisis, a Community Left Mourning

The domestic violence shooting in Hilliard has left a family shattered, with three women’s lives taken in a senseless act of violence. Marissa Rowell, her sister Alisha Fogarty, and their mother Sandra Fogarty will be remembered for their love, their strength, and the happiness they brought to their families. But their untimely deaths serve as a painful reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse and the heartbreaking consequences it can have on both victims and their loved ones. GoFundMe

For Steven Hallmark and the rest of the grieving family, the loss is incomprehensible, and the pain of losing three beautiful women will be felt for years to come. However, Hallmark’s call for others to speak up about domestic violence is a vital message that could help prevent similar tragedies in the future. GoFundMe

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help immediately by contacting local authorities or organizations dedicated to providing support. GoFundMe 

A GoFundMe has been launched by the victims’ family to help cover cremation and memorial costs.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. GoFundMe