Mother of murder-suicide victim starts anti-domestic violence quest

The mother of the victim of a murder-suicide, says her daughter’s death has inspired her to speak out about domestic violence.

"I just hope I can save one person's life," Sandy Price told FOX 13. "I hope I can convince one person to leave."

Her daughter Lindsey Price who was just 23-years-old, was killed in a Westin hotel room on Harbour Island, Saturday night.

Police say 32-year-old, Jay Stevens, shot and killed her before turning the gun on himself.

"'(Someone told me) She is gone.' That's the last thing I remember."

Price and Stevens were celebrating their birthdays, which happen to both be on July 18.

They both died on the same date, 15-minutes before midnight in their hotel room.

Price says it was the terrible culmination of a 6-year relationship that few of Lindsey's loved-ones approved of.

"Lindsey was strong headed (and) very independent. Lindsey was her own self."

She says they both battled depression.

Her mother says Lindsey endured years of emotional abuse.

Jay is an Army vet who served two tours in Afghanistan.

"He protected us," Price said. "But he did not protect my daughter."

Three years ago, when they had a son, Lindsey became determined to make it work. She says her daughter wanted to make Jay the father for her son that she never had.

Lindsey's father was also abusive, and Sandy told us, she managed to escape after counseling.

"I was able to finally say, 'you know what, I am better than this," she explained. "Anyone that is in a domestic violence relationship, if you're not happy, if you're not comfortable, get counseling."

Now she’s questioning if her daughter’s life could have been different if she got help.

She said she plans to honor Lindsey by speaking for anti-domestic violence groups.

"I can be mad until the day I die. It's not going to change anything. All I know is that somewhere he loved my daughter."

She also says Jay also loved their 3-year-old son, who is now being cared for by family. A trust fund will be established for him.

A celebration of life will be held this Thursday at Palmetto United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m.