A Richmond County judge has dismissed all charges against Melissa Cui Domingo, the Augusta woman accused of shooting her husband multiple times on New Year’s Eve in 2021, ruling that she acted in lawful self-defense after years of abuse.
Superior Court Judge Jesse Stone granted Domingo immunity from prosecution last month following a lengthy hearing and detailed analysis of the evidence. The Aug. 19 ruling means that Domingo, who had faced charges including aggravated assault, firearm possession during the commission of a crime, and cruelty to children, will not stand trial for the incident.
In a detailed ruling, Judge Stone found that Domingo met the legal burden to show she acted out of reasonable fear for her life during the Dec. 31, 2021, shooting of her husband, Hajir Talebzadeh, inside their home on Ramsgate Drive.
“The court finds that Melissa Domingo acted reasonably under the circumstances to prevent death or great bodily injury to herself,” the judge wrote.
Years of Abuse Documented: Central to the court’s decision was expert testimony diagnosing Domingo with Battered Person Syndrome, PTSD, panic disorder, and Stockholm Syndrome. Dr. Marti Loring, a domestic violence expert, testified that Domingo had endured a long pattern of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
Multiple witnesses, including Domingo’s two brothers, Anthony and David Domingo, provided accounts of Talebzadeh’s controlling and erratic behavior. Both men testified they were in contact with Melissa on the night of the shooting and were so concerned for her safety that they each called 911. One brother feared Talebzadeh would harm Domingo and their young child.
Investigators who responded to the scene described the home as littered with unsecured, loaded weapons, including a gun holster directly next to where Talebzadeh was sitting at the time of the shooting. According to the ruling, the gun was likely unholstered and in his hand during the final confrontation.
‘Transferred Justification’ Clears Remaining Charges: While the shooting injured Talebzadeh and reportedly endangered others in the home, the judge found that Georgia law supports transferred justification, a legal doctrine that protects defendants from prosecution when unintended consequences stem from otherwise lawful self-defense.
In this case, the court found that any risk or harm caused to others, including the couple’s child, was the result of Domingo’s justified use of force against Talebzadeh.
Judge Stone noted that even without the expert testimony on Battered Person Syndrome, the facts supported Domingo’s belief that deadly force was necessary. He cited text messages, emails, and behavioral patterns showing Talebzadeh’s attempts to dominate and control his wife.
Charges Dismissed, Case Closed: “All counts alleged in this indictment against Melissa Domingo are hereby dismissed,” the court order concludes. Domingo is now legally immune from further prosecution related to the incident.
In the hours after the shooting in 2021, police reported that Talebzadeh had been shot multiple times in the head and was critically injured. A warrant at the time described extensive facial trauma and blood loss. The case drew attention in the days following, with no clear motive released by authorities until now.
With the court’s ruling, the case has reached a legal conclusion nearly four years after the shooting, affirming that Domingo acted to protect herself after enduring sustained domestic abuse.
