Woman and child killed in 'murder suicide' months after $2m lottery win
Investigations are continuing after a mother and her child were killed, months after her lottery win caused conflict between her and her husband.
Tiffani Hill, 31, was found dead in her home by police on June 30 alongside her seriously injured one-year-old daughter Leanne, who later died.
Ms Hill's 42-year-old husband John Donato was also found dead at the scene. Local media described the incident as a murder-suicide.
In November last year, Ms Hill won $2 million ($A2.7 million) playing the lottery in California. She married Donato a few months later and moved to Calera in Oklahoma, KXII reported.
“Could that have sparked that argument? We’ll never have any way of knowing. But I do know there were times it caused conflict between them,” Ms Hill's family attorney, Theresa McGehee said.
While the lottery win may have been a point on contention between the couple, Ms McGehee says Ms Hill was trying to leave Donato in the months leading up to her death.
KXII said domestic violence was to blame for Ms McGehee's death.
The attorney told KTEN Ms Hill was trying to make arrangements with her family and questioned if the outcome would have been different if she reached out to a crisis centre.
Ms Hill's sister, Jamie Kern told KTEN she was a "beautiful" person who was devoted to her children.
"She was such a kind-hearted, beautiful person," Ms Kern said.
"She loved her kids dearly. She would barely let them out of her sight. Her main goal in this world was to try and make a difference."
The family has set up a GoFundMe, to help Ms Hill's surviving three children and care for them.
In Australia, call 1800 RESPECT (737 732) for the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service. Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817.Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122. Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1
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