In a shocking and deeply tragic case out of North Carolina, a woman is accused of ambushing and fatally shooting her ex-husband at a daycare center while their young children sat strapped into car seats just feet away.

Chris Russo was picking up his two sons from daycare when his ex-wife allegedly opened fire. His sister, Melanie Russo, is now speaking out, describing the horror and heartbreak her family is enduring—and the signs she believes point to premeditated murder.

“This was absolutely planned,” Melanie told reporters. “She waited for him. She had no reason to be there. She came around the vehicle and shot him three times at close range, then backed up and fired more shots.” Chris tried to flee, she said, running toward the daycare building with his children still in the car. But his attacker followed him inside and shot him multiple more times—ultimately firing a total of nine rounds, according to Melanie.

Even more disturbing, she said, the woman could be heard on security audio saying, “You have to let him die.”

The murder happened in broad daylight. Surveillance video and eyewitness testimony confirm that the children were in the backseat of the SUV when their father was shot. Melanie says she is grateful the children were not physically harmed but stressed the emotional trauma they’ve suffered.

“They were screaming on the recordings,” she said. “They saw everything. I can’t even imagine the terror.”

The children, now in the care of family, are still reeling from the loss and shock. Melanie said the family is doing their best to stay strong for the boys. “We’re just taking it one day at a time.”

Asked about the alleged shooter, Melanie described her as “a really good actress” who could present herself as calm and quiet in public. But behind closed doors, Melanie said, she saw signs of instability, escalating behavior, and disturbing threats—particularly after the couple separated.

“There were violent incidents when they lived together, but things got worse after the separation,” Melanie recalled. “We saw the text messages. The attacks. She spiraled.”

Melanie believes the family was not taken seriously despite warning signs. “She was walking the road days before, just waiting for the right moment,” she said. “No one expected it to end like this.”

Local authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect, but she is in custody and expected to face murder charges. The case has sparked renewed calls for better protection in custody disputes and more resources for families dealing with emotional and psychological abuse.

For now, the Russo family is focused on healing—and on honoring Chris’s memory. “He did everything he could to protect his boys,” Melanie said. “He was trying to get away. He was trying to survive.”

The investigation remains ongoing. The family is asking for privacy and support as they navigate the weeks ahead.