Lisa Michelle Garland Hermes, 32, of New Braunfels, Texas, was shot and killed on October 12, 2014. She was in her car with her three young children, ages 3, 5 and 9, seated in the back when the shooting occurred; the children were not physically harmed. Lisa had filed for divorce and was under a temporary protective order against her estranged husband, Jerry Leon Hermes Jr., at the time. Family members say she had taken steps to protect herself and the children after earlier violence, including a July 2014 incident in which he allegedly brandished a gun and assaulted her, and the family was pursuing aggravated assault charges.

After the October 12 shooting, Jerry Hermes fled and was later located in a barn in Marion, Texas, by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. During a confrontation with the task force, Jerry was shot and killed by a U.S. Deputy marshal. The New Braunfels Police and the Texas Rangers investigated and concluded Jerry was responsible for Lisa’s death. Lisa worked with her father at Garland Motors and is survived by her children and her parents, Ted and Jacqui Garland.

Lisa’s case underscores the dangers described in the family’s account of escalating domestic violence despite legal protections; what details might help others in similar situations recognize when danger is increasing?