Mother returned home only to find her 9-month-old daughter dead after she left her alone with her father suffering from mental health issues, who fatally shot her before killing himself

Missouri – In a devastating incident in Missouri, a 23-year-old mother, identified as M. Lawery, faced an unimaginable horror as she returned home to find her baby daughter and the child’s father dead in a tragic event police are investigating as a murder-suicide. This heart-wrenching event has left the community and the family reeling from the shock and the profound sorrow that has followed.

Lawery experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when she walked into her apartment on a late Friday evening to discover a horrifying scene. Her 9-month-old daughter, identified as Ophelia, and the child’s 21-year-old father, identified as Z. Daniels, were found deceased. The scene was described as “senseless” by authorities and “not something I can unsee,” by the distraught mother.

The police department responded to the scene after Lawery’s tragic discovery on February 28. According to reports, Lawery left the infant alone with her father while she went to a beauty store. The initial investigation points to Daniels taking his own life after killing his young daughter, though the motive behind this extreme action remains unclear. Lawery shared with local news sources that although Daniels struggled with mental health issues, he had never previously shown any signs of violence towards her or their daughter.

In the days following the incident, Lawery has spoken out about the trauma of losing her daughter and witnessing such a horrifying act. She described the apartment where she and her daughter lived as having “an eerie feeling” now, haunted by the memories of what happened and the life her daughter never got to live. “Clothes that she didn’t get to wear and toys that she didn’t get to play with and just the silence that now takes over the house. It’s so quiet, you could hear a pin drop,” Lawery explained. A family friend has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Lawery through this difficult time, highlighting Ophelia’s vibrant nature and the deep impact she had on those around her in her short life. The community has rallied around Lawery, offering support and condolences as she navigates this profound loss.

Amid her grief, Lawery has expressed a desire to bring more awareness to mental health issues, particularly among men. She emphasized the importance of seeking help and advocating for those who may be struggling. “Your life is worth living. Don’t ever think that this is the only option. If you cannot advocate for yourself, there’s always somebody near, somebody that you trust and love, that will advocate for you,” Lawery stated, hoping that her tragic loss might lead to greater awareness and prevent future tragedies.

As the community continues to support Lawery and her family, her message of love, resilience, and mental health awareness serves as a beacon for others facing similar challenges. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and while many questions remain unanswered, the focus remains on honoring the memory of young Ophelia and providing support to those impacted by this tragedy. The loss of Ophelia and the circumstances surrounding her death have indeed caused a ripple effect of sorrow, but also a renewed conversation about the critical importance of mental health support and the resources necessary to help those in crisis.