Pregnant woman shot to death in murder-suicide, unborn baby survives

CLEVELAND, Oh. (FOX 8) -- A pregnant woman was shot to death, but doctors were able to save her unborn child after an apparent murder-suicide Tuesday night.

That's according to Mary Scruggs, the mother of the suspected shooter, Chris Scruggs, 32. Chris was the victim's fiance and high school sweetheart, Mary says.

"He loved Chrissy and Chrissy loved him," Mary said.

Mary says her son struggled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; there were times when he wasn`t himself. "So you sensed there were moments when he was edgy?" We asked. "I knew, and I can understand."

The victim, identified as Christian (Chrissy) Njorodge, 34, of East Cleveland, was found shot in the head when police arrived at the scene Tuesday night. Njorodge, who was six months pregnant, died at the hospital.

Her baby girl, however, was delivered and survived.

Mary Scruggs told Fox 8's Lorrie Taylor on Wednesday that she witnessed the shootings.

"Chrissy was on her knees, she was yelling and screaming, 'He's going to kill me, he's going to kill me,'" Mary said. "I said, 'Chris, don't,' I told him, 'don't kill Chrissy, don't kill her, don't kill Chrissy' and he shot her in the head."

"He looked at me, put the gun to his head and shot."

Chris was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Mary Scruggs said the couple did not have problems and were very good for each other. She said Chris had a military background and served three tours of duty overseas.

Mary hasn't seen her newest granddaughter, born three months premature by Cesarean Section at Metrohealth Medical Center.

She's worried she won't be welcomed by Chrissy's family.

"I know they're hurting as much as I am, but I know there's no way I can tell them I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," Mary said.