Tragedy in Parsons: Domestic Dispute Ends in Murder-Suicide Spanning Multiple Counties

Tragedy in Parsons: Domestic Dispute Ends in Murder-Suicide Spanning Multiple Counties

PARSONS, KS — June 21, 2025 — A heartbreaking domestic violence incident has left two people dead and a community in mourning after a woman was fatally shot by her boyfriend, who later took his own life following a multi-county police pursuit. The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Tara Lynn Holcomb, a beloved mother whose life was cut short in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According to Lt. Jason Ludwig of the Parsons Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Richard Avenue at approximately 1:27 a.m. on Saturday following several 911 calls reporting screams and gunfire. What officers encountered was a tragic and deeply disturbing scene.

A Harrowing Chain of Events

Upon arrival, officers found Tara Holcomb lying in the street with a fatal gunshot wound. Witnesses told police that a violent argument between Holcomb and her boyfriend, 36-year-old Steve Antone McDonald, had erupted inside the home. The confrontation turned physical when McDonald allegedly struck Holcomb’s juvenile son in the head, causing Tara to flee the house in fear for both their lives.

According to the boy, McDonald pursued his mother down the street and fired two shots, one of which struck her fatally. McDonald then returned to the home, took her car keys, and fled the scene in her white 2000 Cadillac Escalade.

Multi-County Pursuit Ends in Tragedy

Law enforcement agencies across the region were immediately alerted. A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) was issued, and the suspect vehicle was quickly spotted in Wilson County. Deputies from Greenwood County later attempted a felony stop near Severy, Kansas. McDonald fled, initiating a brief chase that ended when he crashed the Escalade off the road.

Deputies approached the wreckage and discovered McDonald with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

A Pattern of Violence

Further investigation confirmed that McDonald had a troubling and violent history. A Kansas City native, McDonald had only recently moved to Parsons and had already been arrested earlier this year on April 24, 2025, for a series of serious charges:

• Aggravated Domestic Battery
• Aggravated Kidnapping
• Criminal Threat
• Criminal Damage to Property
• Endangering a Child

Despite the gravity of these allegations, McDonald was released on bond on May 15, 2025. That release—just five weeks prior to the murder-suicide—has left community members and advocates stunned and grieving for what might have been prevented.

A Call to Action Amid Grief

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy for the family, the victim’s child, and our entire community,” said Lt. Sherri McGuire, head of the Parsons Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit. “Domestic violence is often hidden in plain sight. It is deadly, and it can escalate in seconds. We need to do more to protect survivors and prevent offenders with violent histories from reoffending.”

Tara Holcomb’s son is now in the care of authorities and is receiving support services. In the wake of her death, neighbors have placed flowers, candles, and handwritten notes in front of her home—acts of love and remembrance for a mother who died trying to protect her child.

Help Is Available

This incident serves as a devastating reminder of the urgency surrounding domestic violence prevention and support. The Parsons Police Department and partner organizations encourage anyone facing abuse to seek help immediately.

Resources include:

• Parsons Police Department Domestic Violence Unit: (620) 421-7060
• Safehouse Crisis Center 24/7 Hotline: 1-800-794-9148
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Text: “START” to 88788

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are still gathering information about the events leading up to the shooting and the subsequent pursuit. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact the Parsons Police Department or submit an anonymous tip.

• Parsons PD: (620) 421-7060
• Anonymous Tip Line: (620) 421-7057
• Email: tips@parsonspdks.gov

As the city of Parsons grieves the senseless death of Tara Holcomb, her story becomes a painful but powerful reminder: domestic violence destroys lives, often with irreversible consequences. The community is now rallying behind her son and loved ones, with renewed commitment to prevent future tragedies and ensure that no more lives are lost to silence, fear, or inaction.

Tara Holcomb’s name will not be forgotten — and neither should the lessons her death teaches us.