A deadly incident of domestic violence in Silver Springs on Monday stunned not only the small desert community where it happened, it also shocked the suspect's family who said they never expected such a thing from Scott Lawson.
According to police, Lawson, 33, gunned down his girlfriend Tia Shine, 31, while the couple's 16-month-old son slept unharmed in his crib in Shine's home on Deodar Street. Their 5-year-old daughter was at school at the time.
Before turning the gun on himself, Lawson called 911 to report what he had done.
When police arrived, they found Shine dead of multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Lawson was also suffering from a gunshot to the head, but was still alive.
He was taken from the scene by helicopter.
According to family member Judi Greig Lawson, Scott was declared brain dead upon his arrival Monday afternoon. He was initially kept on life support long enough for his brother from Oregon to arrive to say goodbye, said Judi.
Friday morning Lawson was removed from life support after his organs were harvested, with donations going to seven people, she said.
Scott had opted to be an organ donor when he got his driver's license and his family honored his wishes, said Judi.
"He has donated his organs to others so that others may live in spite of his last few moments of life," said Judi "He was such a great guy. We don't understand what happened. This is not Scott. Only Scott and Tia really know what happened."
As the family grapples with the reality, they worry most about Lawson's four children, the two he had with Shine and two others from previous relationships.
"We are struggling with the news. We all loved Scott and Tia. I personally have seen them move heaven and earth to be together and saw how much they once loved each other. It was beautiful," she said. "I am so deeply sadden by this."
She asked that people be gentle in their comments.
"(We) would appreciate people making comments remember that the children will be able to read the comments later in life. Be respectful of the children," she said. "The family only wants what is best for them now."
Shine's parents are caring for Tia's 16-month-old son and 5-year-old daughter, Lawson's other children live out of the area with their mothers, said Judi.
Funeral arrangements for Lawson have not yet been set.
A service for Tia Lee Shine will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints in Silver Springs, 5470 Elm St.
