Woman Killed by Ex-Husband After Years of Alleged Stalking and Abuse — Daughter Says Protection Orders Failed to Keep Her Safe

A 50-year-old New York woman was allegedly tracked down and shot to death by her former husband after years of reported harassment, stalking and repeated violations of court-ordered protection. Melissa K. Pelc-Lohr was found dead inside her home in Moira, New York, on October 27, 2026. Her ex-husband, Norman E. Lohr Jr., 50, was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading police on a pursuit lasting more than 200 miles. In the days following the killing, Melissa’s daughter, Allison Pelc, spoke publicly about what she says was a long history of disturbing behavior that authorities had failed to stop.

According to Allison, her mother had tried to protect herself by obtaining court-issued protection orders against Lohr. However, she alleges that he violated those orders at least three times. One court hearing concerning an earlier alleged violation was scheduled for October 28 — just one day after Melissa was killed. Allison questioned why repeated reports and requests for protection had not prevented the tragedy, saying her mother had taken steps to seek help but was still unable to escape the situation.

Allison also made disturbing allegations about Lohr’s behavior toward her. She accused her former stepfather of sexually assaulting her in January 2023 and claimed he had become so fixated on her that he collected her underwear and other personal belongings, arranging them in what she described as a shrine. In a video shared on social media, Allison presented security-camera footage that she said showed Lohr entering or lingering near her bedroom, apparently searching for hidden cameras. She also described finding personal items in a closet that she alleged he had previously used to store firearms. These claims have been made publicly by Allison; authorities had not publicly addressed them in the reporting.

The fatal attack triggered a major police search. After Melissa was discovered dead, New York State Police tracked a vehicle believed to be connected to the homicide. Troopers attempted to stop the driver, but the vehicle fled, leading to a pursuit that stretched more than 200 miles. The chase ended in Lyons, New York, after police used a spike strip to disable the vehicle. When officers approached, they found Lohr dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police identified him as Melissa’s former husband and the suspect in her killing.

For Allison and her family, the loss has left painful questions about whether more could have been done to protect Melissa. Allison said her mother had moved in an effort to feel safe and had worked hard to rebuild her life. She has since shared tributes describing a mother who was loved by many people in her community. A family fundraiser was also established to help cover funeral expenses and travel costs between New York and Michigan. The tragedy has renewed attention to the difficulties victims can face when protection orders are repeatedly violated, and to the urgent need for their reports to be taken seriously.

Source: PEOPLE