Chicago Man Allegedly Kills Fiancée Before Pointing Gun at Daughter Who Witnessed Crime

Chicago Man Allegedly Kills Fiancée Before Pointing Gun at Daughter Who Witnessed Crime

A 43-year-old Chicago man allegedly murdered his fiancée and told the couple's 10-year-old daughter he would have to kill her too because she'd witnessed the crime, PEOPLE confirms.

Terrance Meredith has been charged with the murder of his daughter's mother, 35-year-old Otha Mooney, police tell PEOPLE.

The shooting occurred just before 12:30 a.m. on Monday morning. According to investigators, Meredith and Mooney allegedly got into an argument that quickly escalated.

Police allege Meredith was looking for the couple's car keys while brandishing a gun. Eyewitnesses told police he allegedly pointed the weapon at Mooney during the confrontation.

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As the couple began grappling over the gun, it fired, police allege. Police recovered a single shell casing from the home, and found a small handgun next to Mooney’s body.

The alleged argument and fatal shooting happened in front of the couple's 10-year-old daughter. Police claim Meredith allegedly turned to the girl, and told her he couldn't have any witnesses: She was next.

But according to authorities, the girl allegedly convinced Meredith she wasn't a threat before escaping to a nearby relative's home for safety.

Meredith has yet to enter a plea to the charge against him and is being held without bail. It was not immediately clear Tuesday if Meredith had an attorney.