Violence, loss, and arrests—just another weekend in America’s custody system.
This past weekend, custody exchanges across the U.S. turned violent, chaotic, and tragic. From a daughter shooting her father during a handoff in Florida to a mother grieving the unexplained death of her baby in state care, four separate incidents across four different states exposed just how fragile—and dangerous—the child custody system has become.
Each story is different. Yet all reflect a deeper crisis where unresolved emotions, systemic failures, and weak safeguards collide—sometimes with life-altering consequences.
1. Daughter Arrested for Shooting Father During Custody Exchange at Sheriff’s Office
Location: Pinellas County, Florida
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
A designated “safe zone” turned into a crime scene when 28-year-old Gabriella Nascimento allegedly shot her father, Rogerio Nascimento, during a custody exchange of four minor children at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Rogerio, accompanied by his sister, had arrived to exchange custody with his estranged wife. Three of the four children reportedly hesitated to leave their mother’s vehicle. Moments later, Gabriella approached her father with a semi-automatic firearm, shooting him in the back before firing again and missing. He fled into the sheriff’s building for safety.
Gabriella was arrested on the scene and charged with first-degree attempted murder. The motive is still under investigation. The shooting occurred despite Florida’s recent Cassie Carli Law, which mandates monitored custody exchange zones.
Takeaway: Even monitored “safe zones” are not immune to the emotional volatility of custody disputes.
2. A Mother’s Grief: Baby Dies in State Custody, No Answers Given
Location: Person County, North Carolina
Date: Reported May 31, 2025
In another tragic turn, a mother in Person County is demanding answers after her baby died while in state custody. The circumstances of the child’s removal from the home and subsequent death remain shrouded in silence. Officials have provided little information.
This is not an isolated case. States like West Virginia have faced public outcry over similar systemic failures, prompting reforms that include monthly case reviews and dashboard transparency. Still, many parents—especially mothers of color or those with limited resources—find themselves grieving in the dark, without closure.
Takeaway: When the state intervenes, the burden of proof—and pain—often falls hardest on the parent left behind.
3. Custody Exchange at Wawa Turns Violent in Coral Springs
Location: Coral Springs, Florida
Date: May 21, 2025
A seemingly routine custody exchange turned violent when 33-year-old Andre Henry assaulted a woman during a handoff at a Wawa convenience store. Police quickly arrived and discovered Henry had an outstanding warrant.
He now faces multiple charges, including assault and warrant violations. The victim’s condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Takeaway: Using informal or unmonitored locations for custody exchanges can be dangerous—especially when one parent has an unstable or criminal history.
4. Ohio Father Arrested After Forcibly Taking Daughter from Grandmother
Location: Ross County, Ohio
Date: May 31, 2025
In yet another custody-related confrontation, deputies arrested 36-year-old Justin Hendricks after he allegedly abducted his daughter from her grandmother’s care—despite not having legal custody. Both the child and grandmother suffered injuries during the incident.
Hendricks faces charges of abduction, domestic violence, and child endangerment.
Takeaway: Ignoring court orders and acting unilaterally during custody disputes can escalate quickly into criminal charges—and permanent loss of parental rights.
Conclusion: One Weekend. Four Crises. A System in Shambles.
From parking lots to courtrooms, this past weekend revealed just how fast co-parenting can collapse into chaos. The custody system—meant to protect children—frequently fails to prevent trauma, conflict, and violence.
Whether it’s a grieving mother seeking truth, a father gunned down in a so-called safe zone, or families turning to force and fear instead of court orders, the message is clear: custody isn’t just a legal arrangement. It’s a flashpoint.
Unless reforms prioritize safety, transparency, and real support for parents and children alike, more weekends like this are inevitable.
If you or someone you know is in a high-conflict custody situation or experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Parent Helpline (1-855-427-2736) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233).
The Republic Dispatch 