The husband of former Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski has been shot dead in Alabama, allegedly in front of the couple’s two-year-old child.
The incident took place in Montgomery, the capital of the southern US state of Alabama, on the night of Saturday, 22nd January.
The victim has been named as Thomas Hand Jr., 37, who was shot dead allegedly in front of the couple’s son, 2, while he was walking down a street in Montgomery.
The killing leaves the couple’s child without a dad, and the former Miss Mississippi indicated on social media that she is currently expecting the couple’s second child.
The Montgomery Police Department has arrested 17-year-old Jerimiah Walker. He has reportedly been charged with capital murder, with the authorities stating that for murder to become a capital murder charge, it requires that the suspect shoot the victim in front of a child under the age of 14, which appears to have been the case.
Former Miss Mississippi Christine Kozlowski, who goes by Christine Kozlowski Hand on Facebook and who married the victim in 2016, said in a post on the social media platform on Monday night: “Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers during this time of the passing of my husband Tommy Hand.”
She also confirmed that her husband had died as a result of being shot while he was walking down the street. She said: “I feel the love and support from everyone and just wanted to let everyone know that indeed Tommy was shot and killed last night on Texas Street in Montegomery [sic] AL.
“I appreciate and welcome all of the messages, I’m just overwhelmed with all the questions and retelling of the details of what happened. I will at later date release more information to explain everything to everyone.
“Once arrangements are made, I will post the date and details of his services. The only certainty is that the services will be back in his hometown of Metairie/greater New Orleans area so I hope to see as many of you there as possible.”
The former beauty pageant winner also hinted that she is currently expecting the couple’s second child. She said: “Also for all of his loyal and cherished customers at Hand Nutrition the company will continue to serve you guys and we ask that you stick with us as this will be our only means of support for our son and baby to be. We need your support now more than ever.
“We love you guys, the company will relocate to my hometown of Biloxi, Mississippi. The weekend orders will ship on Monday as usual. Thanks again for all the prayers and messages.”
Netizens have responded to the tragic shooting with an outpouring of empathy and condolences for Kozlowski.
The victim’s family and friends have set up a fundraiser on the GoFundMe platform (https://www.gofundme.com/f/savings-for-roman-baby-hand).
At the time of writing, it has far exceeded its USD-3,000 (GBP-2,220) goal, with donations totalling over USD-26,000 (GBP-19,200).
