MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – A man fatally shot his wife Tuesday morning in Miami Gardens, authorities said.
The shooting was reported at the couple's home in the area of Northwest 22nd Avenue and 160th Street.
Police identified the suspect as Arthur Lee Pharr, 54. The victim was identified as Tamesha Marshall-Pharr, 39, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Relatives of the victim told Local 10 News that several children witnessed the shooting.
"Unfortunately, there were children who were at the scene during this tragic incident," Detective Carolyn Frazer said. "I'm not sure exactly whether they witnessed it or whether they just heard the incident occur."
According to authorities, Arthur Pharr and his wife got into an argument, which escalated, ending in the fatal shooting.
The victim's son, Arkevious Huntley, told Local 10 News that he injured his hand while trying to protect his mother.
"She blessed a lot of people. If people didn't have it and she had it, she'd give it to you," he said. "It hurt. I lost my momma. I didn't lose a homeboy or a friend. I lost my momma. That's my birth giver."
Police said Arthur Pharr fled the scene, but was taken into custody a few blocks from the scene.
It's unclear what the couple was arguing about.
"I done cried all my tears out. I don't even know how my eyes are so dry right now," Huntley said.
People who knew the couple said they had a troubled marriage, but never would have expected this to happen.
"She wanted to build a safe haven for runaway girls," Huntley said. "My mom had a dream. She was going to school. She pushed me to graduate and I'm the only boy, so it's kinda hard. I have to step up to the plate even more now."
Nearby roadways were closed down during the investigation.
Arthur Pharr faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.