Abusive Ex-Boyfriend Allegedly Kills Couple
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IRVING (CBSDFW.COM) - A young mother trying to escape an abusive relationship was murdered alongside her new boyfriend Wednesday.
Elizabeth Adams, 19, and James Tews, 20, were allegedly shot and killed by Adams' ex-boyfriend, Christopher Rubio, 20.
Adams' family members are haunted by her final moments - hiding in a bathroom with her Tews, trying to escape Rubio. Her mother told CBS11 she is also haunted
by what she didn't know - that the abuse was going on for a while.
"This was a total surprise. It just happened so fast," said Adams' mother.
Police said Rubio stormed into Adams' mother's apartment, held a gun to her little brother's head, and went toward the bathroom. He fired through the door and then broke it down. Adams and Tews died at the scene.
"He just snapped… and she… she was the best mom you could believe," said Adams' grandfather Melvin Crawford.
Rubio facing capital murder charges.
Heather Koval with the Irving Family Advocacy Center can't speak about the case, but she counsels domestic violence victims to have a safety plan in place before they leave.
"There are things like domestic violence shelters that a victim can go to. The most dangerous thing a victim can do sometimes is to leave, so going to a shelter or somewhere that is unknown by the offender becomes a really good option," said Koval.
Kovla said she hopes victims will make the tough choice to reach out, even anonymously. She advised that talking to a counselor, receiving a protective order, taking advantage of programs that help victims break lease, relocate and recoup lost wages – are all life savers.
"I'd like for them to know that there are options, but the only way we can get those options to them is if we have a way to communicate with them," said Koval.
Friends and family are remembering Adams as a devoted mother of two. Friends said Tews was an accomplished musician who was charismatic and had a great sense of humor.
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