Mother was protecting daughter when husband fatally shot her, according to district attorney.

A tragic incident unfolded in St. Albans, Queens, where Chaneil Ramsay, a 45-year-old mother, was shot and killed by her estranged husband, Audwin Caines, 62, during an alarming act of gun violence in broad daylight. This incident highlights dire concerns around domestic violence and the challenges faced by victims seeking protection.

On June 23, 2025, shortly after 2:30 p.m., Ramsay and her 21-year-old daughter found themselves hiding behind a parked car when Caines began firing at them. Witnesses reported that Ramsay bravely left the safety of their concealment in an attempt to shield her daughter from the onslaught, a decision that ultimately cost her life. Prosecutors allege that Caines shot Ramsay multiple times, striking her at close range in vital areas, including the head and body, as she sought to protect her child.

In the minutes leading up to the shooting, Caines had reportedly smashed the window of Ramsay’s Jeep Cherokee and sent her threatening messages via WhatsApp. Allegations from court documents indicate he warned her: “I’m going to keep f—ing up your s—-.” This threat, coupled with his violent actions, paints a troubling picture of escalating domestic abuse.

Eyewitnesses recounted the horror of the event, describing the sound of gunfire and the immediate aftermath, with one neighbor noting that the assailant chased Ramsay as she sought refuge. The violent nature of the attack was shocking, with one individual recounting hearing as many as nine gunshots. After being struck by the gunfire, Ramsay was rushed to Jamaica Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Caines was apprehended by U.S. marshals and the NYPD’s Fugitive Task Force in Harlem. He faces a multitude of charges, including murder, attempted murder, and weapons possession. Following his arraignment, a Queens Criminal Court judge ordered him held without bail.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed the community’s outrage over this senseless act of violence, pledging to seek justice for Ramsay’s family. The case has also spotlighted the pervasive issue of domestic violence, with reports indicating that law enforcement had been called multiple times to Ramsay’s residence in response to disturbances involving Caines.

Ramsay was a nurse and a dedicated mother, living less than five blocks from the scene of her tragic death. Her family and community are grappling with the loss, as they remember her as a kind-hearted individual committed to her loved ones.

In a society where the prevalence of domestic violence often goes underreported, the events surrounding Chaneil Ramsay’s death will hopefully spark a renewed dialogue on the need for protective measures and resources for those affected by such violence. As her daughter returns to her relatives in Jamaica, the community mourns a life cut short too soon and calls for justice that resonates beyond this tragic event.