Upper Darby, Pennsylvania – A grieving mother has identified the woman police say was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend during a custody exchange in Upper Darby, an incident authorities say ended when the man turned the gun on himself in front of the couple’s children.
Victim Identified by Family
In an emotional interview with, Darlene Snowden identified her daughter as Shantal Snowden, 34, describing her as a devoted mother who centered her life around her children. Loved ones echoed that sentiment, saying Shantal was generous, caring, and always willing to help others.
“She loved her kids,” Darlene said. “She did everything to make sure their life was as beautiful as possible.”
What Police Say Happened
According to investigators, the shooting happened shortly after noon on Friday, December 26, near the intersection of Locust Street and Copley Road. Police say Shantal was seated in the driver’s seat of her vehicle during a custody exchange. Her three children, ages 1, 4, and 6, were in the back seat.
Authorities allege that Shantal’s 45-year-old ex-boyfriend, the father of two of her children, entered the vehicle and began arguing with her. During that confrontation, investigators say the man produced a firearm and shot Shantal, then shot himself while the children were inside the car.
Shantal was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was transported to a nearby hospital.
Children Physically Safe, Witnessed the Violence
Police confirmed that none of the children were physically injured. Darlene Snowden said a neighbor acted quickly after the gunfire, pulling the children from the vehicle and taking them to safety.
“I want to thank the person who took them out of the car and took them to safety,” she said through tears. “It could have been them. They were right there.”
Investigators have emphasized that while the children were unharmed, they witnessed a deeply traumatic event.
Prior Relationship and Warning Signs
Darlene Snowden told reporters her daughter had ended the relationship with her ex-boyfriend about a year and a half ago. She said her daughter later married a man she described as “wonderful” and had been building a new life.
While she said the ex-boyfriend had never physically assaulted her daughter, she described a pattern of verbal outbursts and unpredictable behavior.
“It was always an explosion of anger, just verbally,” Darlene said. “You could never calm him down if he got upset.”
Suspect Dies After Life Support Withdrawn
On Monday, Darlene Snowden said police informed her that the ex-boyfriend died after being taken off life support. We reached out to both the Upper Darby Police Department and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office for confirmation. As of the latest update, officials had not publicly responded.
A Family Grieving and Children in Crisis
As the family mourns Shantal’s death, Darlene said her focus has turned to helping her grandchildren cope with the loss.
“They wake up at night and they are crying. They’re screaming,” she said. “I have to hold them and tell them everything is all right. That their mom is in heaven.”
She added that the children often ask when they can speak to their mother again, a question she answers by encouraging prayer and remembrance.
Domestic Violence Support Resources
Advocates say the case highlights the dangers surrounding domestic disputes and custody exchanges, particularly when a history of volatile behavior exists.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24/7 by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), texting LOVEIS to 22522, or visiting thehotline.org.
Conclusion
The Upper Darby shooting has left a community shaken and a family devastated, with three young children now facing life without their mother. As investigators continue reviewing the case, loved ones are remembering Shantal Snowden as a caring parent whose life was centered on her children.
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