Efforts are underway to bring together resources for a commemorative service commemorating the life of Marisa Galloway, a Wildwood Crest mother of two who lost her life in a tragic event. Thanks to an online platform used for the purpose, the bereaved family has managed to amass approximately $80,000, with a target of $100,000 to cover the costs necessary for a proper farewell. Sharing her memory on the fundraising page, Marc Bellanger, Galloway’s cousin from Wildwood, reminisced on her noteworthy attributes of compassion, generosity, and unbounded love.
Remembering Galloway’s devotion to her two daughters, Lili and Mariel, he communicated that the girls were the center of her universe. The untimely departure of their beloved Marisa will leave an irreplaceable gap in the family and community’s fabric, but her spirit will be kept alive through her daughters and the kin’s enduring love.
The incident involved Kathleen Leigh, a 65-year-old retiree who had spent her career as a probation officer in Chicago. Galloway, 45 years old, was shot by Leigh on East 88th Street proximate to York Avenue on a fateful Friday morning. Following her fatal action towards Galloway, Leigh turned the weapon towards herself in an alleged murder-suicide.
Circumstances leading to the incident appeared to be rooted in an ongoing dispute over the custody of Galloway’s 4-year-old daughter, involving Leigh’s son. Amidst the distressing event, Galloway’s other daughter, an infant of just 1-year old that was not part of the custody dispute, was safely located in the back seat of her car, remaining untouched.
In her early life, Galloway had been part of the graduating class of 1997 from the institution previously known as Wildwood Catholic High School. Her abilities as a track runner were nurtured there. Galloway was also part of the Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol, actively taking part in lifeguard racing competitions.
During the investigative operations at the distressing location, authorities discovered two firearms. One was spotted on the street, while the other was found within Leigh’s personal carry bag. The focus of the investigation was to ascertain whether these firearms were part of Leigh’s tools during her tenure in Illinois.
The violent encounter occurred just two and half blocks away from where Galloway dwelled, and not far from Gracie Mansion, Mayor Eric Adams’s residence. Galloway dedicated a significant part of her life working as a special education teacher in an Ardsley school, located in Westchester County. Besides being a noteworthy educationist, she also had an unwavering passion for running and was an integral member of the Central Park Track Club.
Fordham University, where Galloway studied, acknowledged her contribution as an assistant track and field coach for an impressive span of seventeen years leading until 2019. Galloway received her undergraduate degree from the university in 2001, furthering her education journey with a Master’s degree from Fordham’s Graduate School of Education in 2005.
Galloway was more than just a committed student; her athleticism was further displayed in her high jump events for the Rams. She also made significant contributions to the sprint and relay teams. During her senior year, she was recognized for her achievements, coming third in the high jump at the Metropolitan Championships.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, a male resident from Vineland, who had owned up to multiple stabbings during an April altercation, received a prison sentence of four years. This decision was announced by the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office on Friday.
Galloway, residing on the Upper East Side, was fondly described as a ‘very sweet lady’ by her neighbors and known for her unwavering commitment to her two daughters. However, they also witnessed her struggles with Leigh’s son, which seemed to darken her positive presence in the building.
Between 2021 and 2022, the police were called to Galloway’s residence a total of four times. The calls were resulted from escalating conflicts involving Galloway, Leigh and her son, and were centered around issues such as visitation rights and custody disagreements.
Police sources reveal that in both April and August 2022, reports were lodge by the father of the child regarding potential bruises on the young girl. However, after due investigation, ACS determined the accusations as baseless, and no subsequent arrests were made in either case.
A review of the New York Supreme Court’s state court database reveals that Zachariah Reed lodged a custody case against Galloway on Aug. 20, 2021. Their last official interaction in the court was observed in December 2023 during a settlement conference.
Law enforcement insiders point out that on Fridays through Mondays, the elder of Galloway’s daughters was customarily in her father’s care, while the remaining part of the week the child spent with Galloway. However, on that fatal day when the shooting occurred, the girl was scheduled to be in her father’s care.
The depth of the tragedy, the unresolved issues, and the lost lives in this case have all left a significant impact on the community, demonstrating once again the potential long-lasting damages of domestic disputes and the importance of professional intervention and support in such situations.