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A Kenyan man living in the United States has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife in Killeen, Texas.

According to a statement from the Killeen Police Department, officers arrested 42-year-old John Gitau Mwangi following the tragic incident that took place on the evening of Friday, February 21. 

Mwangi was located at Fort Cavazos, a military installation in Texas, and taken into custody.

Police responded to a welfare check at a residence on Lakecrest Drive at approximately 7:16 PM. 

Upon arrival, they discovered 37-year-old Esther Gitau with multiple gunshot wounds. 

Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at 9:29 PM by Justice of the Peace Nicola James.

Authorities also found two children inside the house at the time of the incident. 

Reports indicate that the children were unaware of what had happened, and they were confirmed to be safe.

Following the discovery, detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Unit launched an investigation and later obtained an arrest warrant for Mwangi. 

He was taken into custody and placed in the Killeen City Jail.

Law enforcement officials believe the shooting was a domestic violence-related case, and they have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat. 

The Killeen Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division is continuing its investigations to determine the full details of the case.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the shooting or whether there was a history of domestic disputes between the couple.

This incident comes just months after another high-profile case involving a Kenyan man accused of murder in the United States.

Kevin Kangethe, a Kenyan national, was extradited from Nairobi to Boston, Massachusetts, to face first-degree murder charges. 

He was accused of killing his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu, whose body was found in a car at Logan International Airport.

After the crime, Kangethe fled the U.S. and traveled to Kenya. 

Following months of investigations and legal proceedings, a Nairobi court approved his extradition. 

On September 2, 2024, FBI agents and Massachusetts State Police escorted him back to the U.S., where he is now facing trial.

The tragic killing of Esther Gitau has raised concerns about domestic violence cases within the Kenyan diaspora community. 

Authorities continue to urge individuals facing domestic abuse to seek help before situations escalate into violence.