Thomas Moton Accused of Murdering His Ex-Girlfriend at Her Daughter's Graduation

[Whisper]

Thomas Moton

A woman attending her daughter's middle-school graduation ceremony was killed in an Avondale school's parking lot Friday, in a shooting police believe was carried out by her ex-boyfriend.

Takesha Barnes -- a domestic-violence victim who had just taken out an order of protection against 38-year-old Thomas Moton earlier that week -- obviously feared for her safety that day, as described in court documents obtained by New Times.

During the ceremony at Westview High School, Barnes got up and asked a school security guard to escort her to her car, telling him about the order of protection against Moton.

As the security guard spotted a man apparently trying to hide in the parking lot, Barnes told the security guard it was her ex-boyfriend, according to the documents.

The security guard told Barnes to run to her car and lock the doors, and as the man -- whom police believe to be Moton -- pulled a handgun out of his waistband, the unarmed security guard retreated and yelled for Barnes to make an escape.

Barnes was shot at about five times
[...]
Barnes was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital, while three of her family members -- who were with her as she left the school -- identified Moton as the shooter, according to court documents.

Family members said Moton's violence against Barnes had been increasing, and Moton had recently threatened to kill Barnes then kill himself, the documents state.

Moton also was arrested in 2007 for punching Barnes in the face, police note.

The scene of the shooter, allegedly Moton, pulling up to the school on his motorcycle, shooting Barnes, and riding away, was captured on "no less" than four surveillance cameras on that side of the parking lot, according to the court documents.

Moton was wanted by police for a few hours, until officers conducting surveillance on his sister's house watched Moton pull in on his motorcycle.

Moton was arrested as he left the house with his sister, and didn't speak with detectives about the shooting, according to the documents.

Moton's bond was set at $2 million after being jailed on charges of first-degree murder, felony disorderly conduct, illegally discharging a firearm, and misconduct involving weapons.

http://.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfe...sha_barnes.php

[lespacino]

Ladies, this is a prime example as to why you should never stay after that first hit- or even to the point where the dude develops the balls to do so, because it tends to start with them verbally breaking you down. Here's an easy piece of advise if a guy says shitty things to you that make you feel bad- leave then. That's not a guy who loves you.

[Valasca]

But as we can see, a protective order means shit. These monsters can still attack/hurt/KILL women who are TRYING to get away.

[Whisper]

But as we can see, a protective order means shit. These monsters can still attack/hurt/KILL women who are TRYING to get away.

I had a POP against a guy I had dated/ broken up with when my husband and I were seperated
He came back and busted my jaw as I was coming home from work at midnight
I lived in security building with security guard and didnt stop him from jumping brick fence and hiding in the parking lot
Was gonna put his name here but why antagonize it
Piece of paper cant protect shit if they want to get you bad enough

[carolinablue]

The worst, most dangerous time for a battered woman is when she leaves. I know I sound like a broken record, but it's important! If he is abusing you while you're turning yourself inside out trying to keep him NONviolent,; imagine what he'll be like when you dare to leave and take HIS kids. Many of these men, maybe most, regard a marriage license as a bill of sale. You are his to do with as he pleases, and have no more right to leave him than his sofa has to walk out the door. He loses control over you, and with nobody to control and abuse, he goes all kind of crazy. This is the reason a lot of battered women stay; it may be bad, but leaving will make it worse. I'll leave out all the other stuff, like does she have somewhere to go? Does she even have a car? Does she have a job? Can she find one?
Half the time the very people who told her to leave won't take her in because they're afraid of the beater too. I swear one day I'm going to write a blog about DV; it's the one area in which I am an expert. Been there, done that for years, didn't even get a crappy t shirt.