In a deeply tragic incident, a 42-year-old woman from Orlando, Florida, was shot and killed by her husband after she filed for divorce and he allegedly refused to sign the papers.
The suspect, Lamar Bryant, 41, has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the killing of his wife, Takeshia Bryant, whose family is requesting she be remembered by her maiden name, Takeshia Eads.
The Incident: What Happened on March 25
According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by authorities, the fatal shooting happened around 3:30 p.m. on March 25 at the couple’s home on West Livingston Street in Orlando.
That afternoon, Lamar Bryant picked up their daughter from school, but school staff and witnesses noticed that he appeared to be intoxicated, slurring his words and behaving disrespectfully.
He then reportedly drove with his daughter and another teen passenger to a liquor store, where he purchased a bottle of alcohol and drank it while driving.
The group then went to a storage unit, which his daughter later told police was used to store guns and drugs. Bryant went inside alone and came back with two firearms in the pockets of his sweatpants.
He placed the guns on the car’s center console, and his daughter identified them as two black Glock pistols, one with a laser attachment.
Confrontation at Home
Back at their home, Takeshia Eads approached the car to speak with Bryant. At this point, he allegedly gave the guns to his daughter, instructing her to hide them behind the house, possibly due to a police helicopter flying overhead at the time.
Once the helicopter left, Bryant retrieved the guns and entered the home, following Takeshia, who had gone inside to use the bathroom.
About 15–20 minutes later, Eads’ daughter—who had been sitting on the porch—heard what sounded like gunshots coming from inside.
She ran in and found Bryant walking away from the bathroom, where her mother had gone. When she asked what happened, Bryant just shrugged and said “nothing” before leaving through the side door.
The daughter discovered her mother’s body in the bathroom and immediately called 911.
Investigators Call It Premeditated Murder
Orlando police confirmed that the scene supported the witness statements. The affidavit clearly states that Takeshia did not have a weapon, nor was she posing a threat to Bryant. Investigators described the killing as premeditated and intentional.
“There is no evidence to suggest Takeshia Bryant had a firearm or was threatening Lamar Bryant at the time,” the affidavit stated.
A Beloved Mother and Grandmother
Takeshia Eads was the mother of four children and was soon to be a grandmother of five, according to local reports by CBS affiliate WKMG. Her family described her as the “backbone” of their home and a woman who touched many lives.
“She was a good woman,” her adult daughter told WESH. “She touched a lot of people and a lot of lives.”
Legal Proceedings Underway
Lamar Bryant has been arrested and made his first court appearance on Thursday. He has been denied bail and remains in custody. His next hearing is scheduled for April 1.