Samuel Tovar shot his girlfriend Nancy Ayala outside their apartment in Mesquite, TX

In Mesquite, Texas, a community is reeling after a violent domestic incident that has left a mother of four in critical condition and her boyfriend on the run. The shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday, around 3 a.m., when Samuel Tovar, 25, allegedly shot his girlfriend, Nancy Ayala, following an argument at their shared apartment. The horrifying event unfolded in front of three of Ayala’s children, adding a layer of trauma to an already devastating situation.

The tragic series of events began as a domestic dispute between Tovar and Ayala, who had been in a relationship for several years and shared one child together. The argument escalated, leading to Tovar allegedly dragging Ayala outside the front door of their apartment before shooting her. After the shooting, Tovar fled the scene, leaving Ayala severely injured and fighting for her life.

Neighbors reportedly heard the commotion, but Tovar managed to escape before authorities arrived. The nature of the couple’s argument has not been disclosed, but the brutality of the act has shocked the local community and intensified the urgency of the search for Tovar.

Nancy Ayala, who was immediately rushed to the hospital, remains in critical condition. According to family members, Ayala has undergone multiple surgeries, including the removal of parts of her lung and liver. The most significant concern, however, is potential brain damage, as Ayala’s heart reportedly stopped for several minutes before she was resuscitated.

Family members, particularly Ayala’s cousin, Kimberly Salas-Hernandez, have expressed their heartbreak and anger over the situation. In a social media post, Salas-Hernandez described the harrowing details of the incident and called on the public for help in finding Tovar. She emphasized the importance of capturing Tovar, not only for justice but also to prevent further trauma to the children who witnessed the attack.

“If they were to see the way she was right now, lifeless, literally lifeless, not moving, all the things that are wrong, literally declining, I feel like they would understand why we need him to get caught,” Salas-Hernandez said, highlighting the gravity of Ayala’s condition and the emotional toll it has taken on the family.

The Mesquite Police Department has launched a full-scale manhunt for Tovar, urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward. Tovar is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities are warning the public not to approach him if spotted. The department has also released Tovar’s photograph and is working with local and state agencies to track him down.