A tragic shooting on the south side of Fort Wayne has claimed the life of Sajdah Abdur-Rabb, a mother of nine. The devastating incident has left her family in shock as they try to navigate this unimaginable loss.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
The shooting took place on Thursday afternoon in a mobile home park near Dunkelberg Road, close to the Airport Expressway and Bluffton Road. Authorities arrived to find Abdur-Rabb suffering from a gunshot wound. She was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Her family confirmed her identity to 21Alive News, expressing their grief and disbelief over her death. “We are in complete shock and truly at a loss over this,” the family wrote in a GoFundMe post, which has been set up to help cover funeral expenses.
Domestic Violence Allegations and Arrest
Reginald Brooks, 53, was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder. Brooks allegedly used a gun to kill Abdur-Rabb, following an argument that escalated. According to court documents, Brooks had been drinking since Wednesday night and had made threats to kill Abdur-Rabb and her family.
Abdur-Rabb’s son told authorities that Brooks had been verbally threatening them before the fatal incident. Brooks reportedly told police that the gun went off during a fight over the weapon, but the details remain under investigation.
If convicted, Brooks faces up to 85 years in prison.
A Family Devastated by Domestic Violence
In the wake of this horrific event, Abdur-Rabb’s family is calling attention to the devastating impact of domestic violence. The GoFundMe page, created by her loved ones, highlights the toll her death has taken on her nine children and ten grandchildren. The youngest of her children is just 11 years old.
The family is using this tragic moment to raise awareness about domestic violence, urging others to step in if they know someone is in danger. “Never would we have thought this would be our reality,” the fundraiser reads. “Domestic violence has shattered our world.”
The GoFundMe is not only asking for financial support to cover funeral costs but also encourages people to speak out and help those facing abuse.
