A woman shot by her partner's ex-wife in front of children

The family of a woman who, according to authorities, was reportedly killed by her boyfriend's ex-wife while she was decorating a Christmas tree sounds a warning about the # The devastating impact of domestic violence that exceeds two people.

Lisa Vilate Williams, 26 years old. was in his apartment on Sunday, when his ex-wife, 32-year-old Chelsea Watrous Cook, burst in and shot her in front of the kids, police said.

The killing took place after Cook targeted Williams with online harassment, face-to-face clashes and harassment for months, his sister and mother told the Associated Press.

"I'm worried for his safety every day". mother, Tawny Williams.

Chelsea Cook's lawyer did not respond to calls for comment, and family members contacted by phone declined to comment or did not return messages. She was arrested for aggravated murder after her ex-husband took the gun and licked it against the wall until the police arrived, authorities said. Lisa Williams died in a hospital.

She had loved reading books and buying dying plants for healing. On her 16th birthday, she saved money to buy gifts for all members of her family, said her sister Bekah Williams. She loved children and was so eager to start Christmas decoration with her boyfriend's twins that she left early from the Thanksgiving celebration of her own family in Centennial Park, Arizona, with a popper of popcorn hanging on the back seat of his car.

"I talked to her about an hour before everything happened, and she was so happy … to give something to those happy kids," said Bekah Williams.But during the six months she's been Travis Cook, a colleague at the bank where she was a cashier, was reportedly targeted by her ex-wife.The harassment began in June and included clashes at the bank, bullying on Instagram and making phone calls. since high school where Chelsea Cook was a health professor, said Bekah Williams.

The court records show that the couple's divorce was finalized in January, but Chelsea Cook had been charged with domestic violence in the presence of child in the month preceding the murder.It pleaded not guilty.Chelsea Cook's lawyer in this case did not answer the calls, and the family members contacted by phone refused to start ter or did not return messages.

Bekah Williams said he reported the behavior and use of school phones. Director of Lehi Skyridge High School in August, but "it seems to me that nothing has been done," she said.

Alpine School District did not return messages asking for comments Friday, but Ben Rasmussen, director of law and professional practice at the Utah State School Board, said the behavior of teachers outside the classroom could be difficult to address for schools. School officials were also unaware that Chelsea Cook had been arrested on October 16 for suspicion of domestic violence. Although teachers were required to report such arrests to their superintendents within 48 hours, she did not, Rasmussen said. The state also reports arrested teachers to a fingerprint database, but it was a crime case and its fingerprints have not been reported for more than a month. The notification was sent after his arrest for murder.

"It took a lot longer than we expected," said Rasmussen.

At school, meanwhile, Chelsea Cook was an attractive teacher whose students Class were eager to attend, KUTV reported in Salt Lake City.

The details of the arrest for domestic violence were not made public, but Bekah Williams said that he was not in charge. it did not concern his sister.

Lisa Williams was reluctant to report Chelsea Cook's behavior to the police, fearing that the involvement of the authorities would make her

Turning around now, she wondered if this was the case. 39, was a mistake.

"In hindsight, I think the best thing for the children would have been to call the police every time," Bekah Williams said.

She is unable to help. explain exactly what led to this, the last conversation between the two women was n Chelsea Cook thanked Lisa Williams for picking up the twins at the daycare. They had not had contact before because she was with her family for Thanksgiving holidays.

Lisa Williams had settled in American Fork, south of Salt Lake City, a few years ago to care for her sister, who was hospitalized for a life-threatening lung condition. After the convalescence, she stayed with two of her sisters.

In the end, it is this kind of solicitude for others whose family Lisa Williams hopes will be remembered from her.

"She had a wise soul," Bekah Williams said. "I feel lucky to have had it in our lives."

– AP