Minneapolis, Minnesota – A Minnesota mother who publicly pleaded for help on Facebook just minutes before her death is now at the center of a strengthened murder case, as prosecutors file additional charges against the ex-boyfriend accused of stalking and executing her. The tragic killing of 34-year-old Mariah Rosanna Samuels has reignited concerns over domestic violence system failures in Hennepin County.
Incident Overview
Authorities say 50-year-old David Eugene Wright has been charged with additional counts of first-degree murder and first-degree murder while committing domestic abuse with a past pattern of domestic abuse in connection with the deadly shooting on Sept. 14. Prosecutors said the new charges stem from a detailed review of dozens of incriminating text messages Wright allegedly sent to Samuels weeks before her death.
According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, both charges carry mandatory life sentences if Wright is convicted.
In a statement, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty expressed deep frustration over the failures that preceded the killing.
“Mariah should be alive,” Moriarty said. “The system failures prior to her death must never be repeated.”
Timeline of Events Leading to the Killing
Investigators allege that Wright waited outside Samuels’ home on Sept. 14, ambushing her as she approached her Jeep Compass. The attack happened at around 7:53 a.m., according to police who responded to multiple reports of gunshots in the 1400 block of Russell Avenue North.
When officers arrived, they found Samuels lying near the open driver-side door, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to her chest and torso. Despite swift medical response, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses later told police they heard “five gunshots, a scream, then more gunfire.” One witness described seeing the shooter calmly collect items from the vehicle before riding away on a bicycle while holding a firearm.
Pattern of Domestic Abuse and Threatening Messages
The amended complaint reveals a pattern of escalating threats from Wright in the weeks leading up to the shooting. Investigators uncovered several messages showing that Wright was controlling, jealous, and increasingly violent.
In a text exchange on Aug. 21, Wright allegedly wrote:
“If you don’t bring your a— home right now I’m bout to blow this b— down.”
He followed with another message:
“Man, someone going to die tonight.”
Later that same evening, Wright allegedly pistol-whipped Samuels, leading to an assault charge.
By the end of August, Samuels had petitioned for a protection order, stating she feared Wright after repeated threats. She wrote that she “needed space” and “just can’t do it anymore.”
Moments Before the Deadly Attack
Perhaps the most heartbreaking detail came directly from Samuels herself. At 7:45 a.m., just eight minutes before she was shot, she posted urgently on Facebook accusing Wright of stalking her.
“I was trynna stay silent but stalking me at 4 in the f—ing morning and the police ain’t doing s—,” she wrote.
Investigators say this Facebook post was timestamped eight minutes before the shooting was reported.
When questioned, Wright made statements that investigators considered incriminating, including:
“I’m not going to fight this situation.”
And later:
“This is not going to be a hard-fought case.”
Wright has remained detained at the Hennepin County Jail without bond since his arrest.
Community Impact and Domestic Violence Concerns
Mariah’s death has fueled public outrage over systemic failures in responding to domestic violence threats. Advocates say the warning signs were clear—physical abuse, escalating threats, stalking, a protection order, and documented fear from the victim.
Domestic violence experts emphasize that victims attempting to leave abusive partners face the highest risk of lethal violence. Authorities say Samuels’ case reflects this exact pattern.
Officials urge community members to report suspicious behavior and take every threat seriously, noting that early intervention can prevent tragedies.
Conclusion
The newly added charges against David Eugene Wright deepen the case against him and highlight the urgent need for stronger protections for domestic violence victims. As the community continues to mourn Mariah Samuels, her story stands as a painful reminder of the consequences of ignored warning signs.
What do you think about this case and the system failures involved? Share your experiences in the comments below.
