Britney Long, 27, was a loving mother who would do anything for her four children.

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, officers responding to a person shot call found Long wounded and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. She had been shot in the head while lying in bed, according to police.

First responders rushed her to a nearby hospital. The children were home during the shooting, but were physically unharmed.

Around 6 p.m. Sunday, January 7, Indianapolis police arrested her fiancé, 32-year-old Jomal Tyler, for his alleged role in connection with the shooting.

Tyler told law enforcement that the shooting was an accident and that he retrieved his firearm when he heard a commotion outside the home. At some point in the bedroom, “The gun just went off.” He said he called 911 after the shooting.

His explanation doesn’t jibe with what police found out upon further investigation. Tyler’s vehicle had traces of blood in it, which led detectives to believe that he was preparing to flee.

Also, Long’s family said the couple’s relationship was plagued with domestic violence. 

“He said on many occasions, in front of people, bluntly that he would kill her when she got ready to leave,” Long’s mother, Barbara Abdulla told the media outlet.

“I don’t even know if he realizes that it wasn’t just Brittany’s life you took. You took those babies’ lives too you know,” Abdulla tearfully recalled. “To not be able to grow up to know what your mother looks like or sounds like or be able to remember.”

The Department of Child Services told police that there was an open domestic violence case on the residence as well.

Long, critically injured from the shooting, fought for her life in the hospital. After some days, the family made the heartbreaking decision to take Long off life support, and her organs will be donated.

“She didn’t deserve for her life to be taken the way it was,” Britney’s sister, Breonna Hill, told TV station CBS 4.

A GoFundMe set up for Long’s children says this:

This is the hardest thing we’ve ever had to do. With heavy hearts we share the news that on January 6th, our sister, Britney Long, was tragically taken from us due to domestic violence. So young, authentic and full of life. Her smile was as bright as the sun. As many of you know, Britney was the kind of person who would give and give until she had nothing left to give. She constantly put others above herself. If she didn’t have what someone needed she would put people in touch with community assistance programs. Britney was the “Center” of our family. Always checking in on everyone and sharing updates. Family was always important to her which is why it’s no surprise that she was an amazing mom to 4 beautiful children ages 6, 5, 1 and 3 months. All she ever wanted was to be a mom.

The victim’s family has a stern warning for those with loved ones in abusive relationships.

“Pay attention to the signs,” Hill, Long’s sister, said. “Most of the time, if anyone, it’s gonna be your family that sees it.”

Read the warning signs of a hurtful relationship.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or practicing self-harm, contact the the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time. Online live chat is also available. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, for assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.